[Spatial orientation capability in the elderly]

A labyrinth-learning experiment was conducted with 83 elderly subjects (median 53 years), which was validated against the architectural "reality" of the clinic in which the test was conducted. The orientation capability of psychologically normal subjects was compared with the performance of patients with a depressive syndrome and/or with an organic mental syndrome. Factor Analysis revealed the independent influence of component functions, the most important being spatial imaging, memory, goal-seeking orientation, labyrinth learning and right-left coordination. Orientation in reality is not accurately predicted by performance on the labyrinth test model. Contrary to our expectation, the presence of OMS alone did not decrease performance; however the presence of a depressive syndrome, both alone as well as in conjunction with OMS did. Diagnostic and therapeutic implications are discussed.