Neurologic function in the optimally healthy oldest old. Neuropsychological evaluation

Neurology. 1993 Oct;43(10):1882-6. doi: 10.1212/wnl.43.10.1882.

Abstract

We examined cognition on a wide range of standardized neuropsychological tests in two groups of optimally healthy, elderly volunteers. One was composed of community-dwelling, functionally independent individuals aged 84 years and older, and the other group was nearly 20 years younger. The effect of aging was greatest on visual perceptual and constructional tasks rather than on memory tasks. Many cognitive functions were relatively well preserved in the optimally healthy oldest old.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged / psychology*
  • Aged, 80 and over / psychology*
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory
  • Neuropsychological Tests*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Wechsler Scales