Features of temporal dynamics of oscillatory brain activity during creative problem solving in young and elderly adults

Abstract

Considering evidence from psychological research successful aging is accompanied by long-term preservation of creative potential despite slowing of mental processes, however neurophysiologic mechanisms that ensure the maintenance of those abilities are not studied. In this study we compare temporal dynamics of changes in induced by divergent task electrical activity (ERSP) in wide range of EEG frequencies in young (YA, N = 80, 22.6 ± 3 years) and old adults (OA, N = 80, 22.6 ± 3 years). Groups were balanced for sex. EEG was recorded while participants performed "alternate uses task". Time ranges 200-400, 400-600 and 600-800 ms after stimulus presentation were analyzed. It was found, that task performance is associated with distinct patterns of ERSP changes in the theta- and alpha 3-rhythm in young and elderly subjects. Elderly showed smaller theta-desynchronization of anterior brain areas atinitial stage of creative thinking as compared to young participants. Gradient of fronto-parietal activation was unchanged during entire interval of analysis in old whereas it was observed in young adults at 200-400 ms solely. Decrease in desynchronization of the parieto-occipital area in the alpha 3-rhythm at 600-800 ms in elderly subjects was revealed, and it resulted in disappearance of differences between parietal and fronto-temporal areas while stayed the preserved in young. Significant correlations between ERSP in the alpha 3 band and originality, in the beta I band and solution rate were obtained in old adults exclusively. Identified age-related changes in oscillatory activity may be the basis of different strategies in solving creative task in young and old adults.