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Aging and Error Processing

Time-Frequency Analysis of Error-Related Potentials

Published Online:September 01, 2006https://doi.org/10.1027/0269-8803.19.4.289

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To determine age-related changes in the frequency content, temporal dynamics, and functional reactivity of error-related potentials. Methods: Two groups of subjects, young (mean age 22.5 years) and older (mean age 58.3 years) were studied with a four-choice reaction time task. Response-related potentials (RRPs) to correct and error responses were decomposed by means of wavelet transform. Time-frequency (TF) components of correct and error responses were identified. Effects of aging were evaluated for the phase-locked TF power at FCz. Results: (1) Error-related potentials in both groups were characterized by phase-locked activity from the delta (1.5-3.5 Hz) frequency band that was error-specific and was significantly enhanced for errors. (2) In contrast to young adults, no pronounced phase-locked theta (4-7 Hz) RRP components were generated at FCz for either correct or error responses, nor did the theta power manifest any sensitivity to error processing in older subjects. Conclusion: In older subjects, RRPs at FCz do not contain a theta TF component, thus, demonstrating that the frequency content of error-related potentials changes with aging. A common error-specific delta component is present in the two age groups, but its reactivity is significantly reduced and delayed with aging. These qualitative and quantitative differences between young and older subjects may reflect a functional suppression of the underlying frontomedial structures involved in performance and movement monitoring.

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