Age-related macular degeneration: Neuropsychological differences in scores between successful and unsuccessful CCTV users on selected tests

Abstract

The present study researches whether older individuals with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) who are unsuccessful using a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) score significantly differently on selected neuropsychological tests than comparable individuals with AMD who successfully use a CCTV for independent personal reading. A group of nine individuals who are unsuccessful using a CCTV were compared with a group of 15 individuals who have demonstrated the ability to use a CCTV independently for reading. The two neuropsychological tests used in the study are the Tactual Performance Test (TPT) and the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). Both tests are easily administered to a person with visual impairment. Both tests also measure abilities which are necessary for a person to be able to successfully use a CCTV independently for reading. The Tactual Performance Test requires tactile form discrimination, problem solving, kinesthesis, coordination of the upper extremities, and manual dexterity. The California Verbal Learning Test measures immediate recall of verbal information as well as the amount of verbal information learned and later remembered. The unsuccessful CCTV user group was compared to the successful CCTV user group by using an independent samples t-test to compare group scores on the TPT. The successful CCTV users scored significantly lower on total time scores and significantly higher on number of correctly placed blocks. These results suggest that successful CCTV users are better able to utilize tactile memory, problem-solving skills, and to synthesize new learning than the unsuccessful CCTV users. There were no significant differences between the unsuccessful CCTV user group and the successful CCTV user group on the CVLT measures. The lack of significant difference suggests that the two groups are similar in immediate recall abilities as well as remembering similar amounts of presented verbal material. The mean age of the unsuccessful CCTV user group was 85.0 years while the mean age of the successful CCTV user group was 79.2 years. A t-test comparing age difference between the two groups indicated that the unsuccessful CCTV user group was significantly older.