Age-related differences in long-term potentiation-like plasticity and short-latency afferent inhibition and their association with cognitive function.

During the normal ageing process, a decline in synaptic plasticity may precede cholinergic system dysfunction. In individuals over 60 years of age, there is a reduction in LTP-like plasticity, while a decline in cholinergic system function is observed in those over 70. Thus, the cholinergic system may play a vital role in preventing cognitive decline during normal ageing. In younger individuals, LTP-like plasticity might represent a potential neurophysiological marker for language function.