The de-differentiation hypothesis in normal elderly persons

Percept Mot Skills. 2010 Feb;110(1):85-8. doi: 10.2466/PMS.110.1.85-88.

Abstract

Summary.-The factor structure of intelligence was examined, as assessed on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, in two groups of Italian normal elderly participants ages 65 to 100 years (ns = 267 and 256). Analysis provided further support for the de-differentiation hypothesis in the Italian population: cognitive abilities differentiate from adolescence to adulthood and then the process is reversed in later adulthood.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence*
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Reference Values
  • Wechsler Scales / statistics & numerical data*