Abstract
In the normal aging processes, complaints of memory loss and auditory comprehension are not uncommon, principally in complex and cognitively demanding situations.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to investigate skills of discourse comprehension and retention in a natural situation, by healthy aged in relation to variables such as age, schooling and cognitive screening measurement.
Methods:
Thirty healthy elderly participated in the study (mean age=73.56 yrs; SD=6.26 and mean schooling=8.6 yrs; SD=4.41). Twelve news items were recorded and presented in three sequences of four news-groups. Participants were instructed to listen to the four news items, and upon completion were questioned about one of them.
Results:
We found no age or schooling effect on the performance of the subjects. The participants achieved almost full scores on all answers (ceiling effect).
Discussion:
The heterogeneity of elderly and cognitive compensation in natural situations could explain these results of elderly behavior.
Key words:
language; elderly; cognition.