Activity, depression, medication and performance on the Revised Kendrick Battery

A theory for the cognitive assessment of the elderly has been previously reported (Kendrick, 1972), in which it was predicted that normal and depressed subjects would not differ on cognitive tests unless 'pseudodementia' was indicated. Recent studies involving the Revised Kendrick Battery have led to a modification of the theory. The theory now has to take into account the effects of activity and medication, the former enhancing performance, the latter decreasing it. The previous studies (Kendrick & Post, 1967; Kendrick, 1972), have been re-examined and explanations given for the differences found between studies.