Pattern reversal evoked potential amplitudes: life span changes.

Pattern reversal evoked potentials (PREPs) were recorded from people whose ages ranged from 4 to 90 years. Dramatic reductions in PREP amplitudes occurred between childhood and adolescence. These changes were most evident in females. Following adolescence there were no significant changes in amplitudes, even to old age. Latencies, on the other hand, have been shown to change most dramatically between adulthood and old age. PREP amplitudes and latencies, therefore, appear to provide different and unique information regarding development and aging. One cannot ignore PREP amplitudes without sacrificing information regarding early development.