The present study examined dual-task performance in elders with
cognitive impairments and normal controls. The participants (N
= 60; M age = 84.6) were recruited from residential facilities
and the community. They were assigned to one of three groups: (1)
cognitive impairment; (2) residential facility control; (3) community
control. Two different dual-task conditions were comprised of simple
tests that are presumably processed via separate perceptual
modalities: 1 visual–manual and 1 auditory–verbal. The
first condition consisted of a visual cancellation test and an auditory
digit span. The second condition was comprised of an alternate form of
the visual cancellation test and letter fluency. MANOVA examined the
effect of cognitive status (3-level independent variable) on 3 indices
of dual-task performance (letter fluency, digit span, visual
cancellation). Analyses controlled for age, education and performance
on each test when performed alone. The results revealed that the
cognitive impairment group incurred significantly greater dual-task
costs compared to both control groups. Furthermore, as was evident from
discriminant function analyses, the dual-task measures were very
accurate and better than the traditional neuropsychological measures at
discriminating elders with cognitive impairments from normal controls.
(JINS, 2004, 10, 230–238.)