Assessing dual-task performance using a paper-and-pencil test: normative data

Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2010 Aug;25(5):410-9. doi: 10.1093/arclin/acq039. Epub 2010 May 31.

Abstract

Although several studies have described dual-tasking ability in normal aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's disease, no normative data for dual-task performance exist. Dual-tasking ability of 436 healthy individuals, aged 16-88 years, was assessed using a new paper-and-pencil dual-task paradigm. In this study, no age effect was detected, providing strong evidence that age does not affect dual-tasking abilities. Psychometric data for this new assessment are presented, which may enable clinicians and researchers to use this paradigm as a means of examining attentional control in dual-tasking.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attention / physiology
  • Cognition*
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mathematics
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reference Values
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sex Factors
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Task Performance and Analysis*
  • Young Adult