ABSTRACT
The many problems associated with intellectual assessment in the aged, whether it be measurement of overall, verbal or performance level of functioning, change in functioning with age or changes associated with mental illness, can only be resolved in anything like a satisfactory manner by longitudinal studies using normal and abnormal aged groups. This work is by definition time-consuming and as a result expensive in terms of finance and manpower: it is, however, essential and will prove vastly rewarding. There have been a limited number of longitudinal studies of intellectual functioning in the aged, notably with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and the Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale. To date, we have completed four assessments of the original Newcastle upon Tyne Community Aged I and II and the Hospital Aged III samples in what will be called the Combined Aged IV group. We will now present and discuss this work in relation to longitudinal changes in intellectual functioning in the aged and their association with mental illness.
