What is the expected effect of age on nerve conduction velocity?

Nerve conduction velocity typically decreases with age due to several physiological changes that occur in the nervous system. As a person ages, the myelin sheath that insulates the nerve fibers may undergo degeneration, leading to slower signal transmission. There is also a reduction in the density of nerve fibers and changes in axonal diameter, which can further contribute to diminished conduction speed. Additionally, age-related conditions such as reduced blood flow or diabetes can exacerbate these changes, leading to an overall decline in nerve function.

It's important to note that while young adults typically exhibit higher nerve conduction velocities, the decline that occurs with aging is a well-documented phenomenon in neurophysiology. This understanding is critical when assessing patients, as age-related changes can be a factor in diagnosing peripheral neuropathies or other neurological conditions.