Test delle matrici: velocità e accuratezza della ricerca visiva nel corso dell'invecchiamento

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the accuracy and speed of matrix test performance, in aging. Methods: We tested a sample of 227 subjects, referring to the Geriatric Unit of Ospedale Policlinico of Milan. Subjects were 159 female and 68 male, aged from 58 to 94 years, with 3 to 18 years of education. We excluded patients with acute or chronic neurological disease, sensorial impairment and alcoholism. Data recorded were accuracy and speed of test performance according to new measures introduced. Results: The results show significant correlation between execution time and age, especially in second and third matrix. There is not significant correlation between the new accuracy measures of the three test matrix and age. Conclusions: We conclude that speed of matrix test performance decreases with aging, while the accuracy of execution remains stable. The study supports the hypothesis that visual attention is preserved in aging, and confirms a senile slowing. Normative data for the new measures of accuracy and speed of the matrix test performance are presented.