The relationship between visual contrast sensitivity and neuropsychological performance in a healthy elderly sample.
Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity are two visual domains affected by normal aging; however, the potential impact of well-documented changes in these abilities on neuropsychological assessment is relatively unstudied. The current study examined the relationship between these abilities and neuropsychological performance in a healthy, community-based elderly sample. Fifty-one individuals (Age: M = 79.6) were assessed for visual acuity and visual contrast sensitivity, and received a brief neuropsychological battery. Results indicated contrast sensitivity was significantly related to neuropsychological performance on visually based measures, but not auditory measures. Visual acuity was only weakly related to neuropsychological performance. Clinical implications for assessment of elderly individuals are discussed.
Skeel
Reid L
RL
Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859, USA. reid.skeel@cmich.edu
Schutte
Christian
C
van Voorst
Wendy
W
Nagra
Ayesha
A
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D012016:Reference Values; D015348:Vision, Binocular; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*