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Neurologic function in the optimally healthy oldest old. Neuropsychological evaluation
D B Howieson1, L A Holm, J A Kaye
1Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, OR 97207.
Neurology
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Cognitive aging impacts visual-perceptual and constructional abilities more than memory in healthy older adults. Many cognitive functions remain well-preserved even in the oldest old, demonstrating resilience.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuropsychology
- Cognitive Aging
Background:
- Aging is associated with cognitive decline, but the extent varies among individuals.
- Optimally healthy elderly individuals may exhibit preserved cognitive function.
- Understanding cognitive changes in advanced age is crucial for maintaining quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of aging on various cognitive functions in healthy elderly individuals.
- To compare cognitive performance between very old (84+ years) and younger elderly groups.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a battery of standardized neuropsychological tests.
- Compared two groups of optimally healthy, functionally independent elderly volunteers.
- One group aged 84 years and older, the other approximately 20 years younger.
Main Results:
- The most significant effects of aging were observed in visual-perceptual and constructional tasks.
- Memory-related cognitive functions showed less decline compared to visual-perceptual and constructional abilities.
- Many cognitive functions were found to be relatively well-preserved in the oldest old group.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive aging disproportionately affects certain domains, particularly visual-perceptual and constructional abilities.
- Healthy aging in the oldest old is characterized by remarkable preservation of many cognitive functions.
- These findings highlight the heterogeneity of cognitive aging and the potential for resilience.