Memory-For-Designs Test: comparison of performance of young and old adults

Administered the Graham-Kendall MFD test to 80 normal male Ss, who ranged in age from 21 to 90 years. While no significant decline in performance occurred in Ss to age 50, the older groups, 40 Ss 60 years and older, differed significantly in error scores from Ss 50 years and younger, p < .001. As older Ss were given complete neurological examinations and visual acuity was evaluated carefully, the results suggest that decline in MFD performance after the age of 60 is sufficient to suggest caution in the use of the test by present interpretation for the evaluation of brain damage in the older patient.