Measurement of reaction times in tasks of varying complexity: an indication of the degree and evolution of mental deterioration in the elderly.

Abstract

In a group of 40 elderly patients with intellectual deterioration, slowing of behaviour was measured with an original reaction time apparatus. Three types of measurements in ascending degree of complexity were evaluated against each other. Intercorrelations, made with indicators of physical, mental and behavioural functioning, demonstrated that ascending complexity in reaction time measurements can be used as an evaluation of the degree of mental deterioration. An example of the use of the apparatus in the evaluation of the improvement after treatment with suloctidil is given.