<p>Alpha is considered the predominant idling rhythm in adults, however theta is the predominant rhythm in children until ages 10 - 13, when alpha becomes the more predominant rhythm. Slow brainwave activity (&lt;8hz) continues to decline in the EEG until the late twenties. Alpha peak frequency speeds up as be age: 6 Hz at one year of age, 8 Hz range by age 3, reaching 10 Hz by about age 10 (Niedermeyer, 1999b).</p><p>Beginning in the later 50's, there is a gradual decrease in alpha frequency, most likely due to pathology such as diminished vascular flow to the brain.&nbsp; However, alpha rhythm will remain above 9 Hz in healthy elderly subjects who do not have systemic or neurologic problems (Markand, 1990).&nbsp; Katz and Horowitz (1982) reported an average alpha frequency of 9.8 Hz in individuals in their 70's, while Hubbard et al. (1976) found a mean alpha frequency of 8.6 in 10 individuals between the ages of 100 and 105 years of age.&nbsp; Alpha frequency is lowered in dementia patients.</p><p>Alpha peak frequency is the subject’s “idling rate”; every adult has their own dominant alpha frequency, which typically falls between 9 Hz and 11 Hz. Average alpha peak frequency is about 9 to 9.5 Hz. A 10Hz alpha peak frequency indicates a mind that is capable of processing 10 packets of data per second—an apt analogy is that of a camera with a fast shutter speed. The speed indicates the capability of the photographer to get a clear, high quality shot. A fast alpha peak frequency is a sign of a facile mind that has the capability to process data quickly. In the case of ruminations or obsessions, this asset can work towards unwanted focus or preoccupation, although it is not the cause of the symptoms, but rather a facilitator of fast processing.</p>