Differential declines in cognitive function with aging: The possible role of health status

Abstract

The differential decline of memory (Wechsler Memory Scale Logical Memory and Visual Reproduction subtests) and “executive” cognitive skills (Halstead‐Reitan Category Test) and their relationship to health status were examined in this cross‐sectional study of 154 elderly individuals. Age‐related differences in memory were observed in both healthy and unhealthy participants. No overall age‐related differences were noted on the Category Test. Performance on this test, however, was related to health status, although memory performance was not.