Rendimiento cognitivo, autopercepción y estrategias compensatorias en conductores mayores de 65 años

Abstract

Introduction

Due to the increase in life expectancy, everyday tasks, such as vehicular driving, will remain throughout time as an important part of the activities that adults carry out. This complex activity, which involves several cognitive functions, may be affected by the aging process. The person's capacity of perception of these changes might benefit the use of certain adaptive strategies so as to make up for the deficiency.

Objective

To analyze the cognitive performance and its relation to auto perception of their cognitive performance and the use of adaptive strategies developed by the active older drivers.

Method

Ninety four active drivers between 64 and 90 years old, from San Juan, Argentina, have been under an evaluation. The Cognitive Complaints Questionnaire was provided, a neuropsychological battery used to measure cognitive functions and a questionnaire on compensatory behavior while vehicular driving. The sample was divided into two groups according to the age for its analysis.

Results

Significant differences between groups have been observed in tests that claim detrimental cognitive functions in the oldest. Concerning the older group, less correspondence to Cognitive Complaints Questionnaire and to cognitive function tests have been observed. Regarding adaptive strategies, the elder group applies more strategies, in comparison to the young. No statistically significant relationship was observed between the perception of changes and the use of compensatory strategies.

Conclusion

The older group shows more cognitive impairment and less auto perception of change, in comparison to the younger group. Self-perception of cognitive changes is not necessarily associated with the incorporation of compensatory strategies.