Journal

The Japanese journal of neuropsychology

[Vol.16 No.3 contents]
Japanese/English

Full Text of this Article
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ArticleTitle Changes in cognitive function with normal aging using of Syndrom Kurztest
Language J
AuthorList Nobuya Kawahata1), Ayumi Yoshikawa2), and Chiharu Goto2)
Affiliation 1) Department of Neurology, Narita Memorial Hospital
2) Department of Speech Therapy, Narita Memorial Hospital
Publication Japanese Journal of Neuropsychology: 16 (3), 185-192, 2000
Received Jan 11, 2000
Accepted Mar 21, 2000
Abstract Syndrom Kurztest (SKT) is a briefly efficient neuropsychological test battery to evaluate memory, attention or speed of information processing. The SKT consists of nine subtests, each limited to 60 seconds. We administered to 211 healthy subjects the SKT to evaluate a change in cognitive function. These subjects were divided into six decade groups; 30-39 (n=7), 40-49 (n=14), 50-59 (n=90), 60-69 (n=54), 70-79 (n=37), and 80-89 year-olds group (n=9). In comparison of SKT total scores, the overall differenceamong the age decade groupswas significant (F=14.9, p<0.0001). The SKT total scores of 80-89 year-olds group showed a significant higher thanthose of the other decade groups. From the results of the SKT subtests analysis, memory, attention, and speed of information processing remained fairly stable across the adult life span until individuals were in their 70s, at which point there are significant declines in the speed of non-verbalinformation processing, attention, anddelayed recall. Moreover, 80-89 year-olds group also showed a significantdecline in the speed of verbal information processing. These results indicate that a significant change in cognitive function using the SKT occurs with aging in thehealthy subjects. This differencedoes not, however, become apparent until individuals reach their 70 year-olds.
Keywords aging, attention, cognitive function, memory, Syndrom Kurztest

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