ABSTRACT

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the cognitive function of elderlies in urban areas, and to use the result for the basic data for Korean version LOTCA-G’s later development.Methods : The subjects of this study was total 117 elderlies dwelled in Daejon city and aged over 65 who doesn’t have any record of having brain damage or dementia. During 23 days which was from March 11th, 2005 to April 2nd, 2006, Subjects were interviewed and evaluated on Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment for geriatric population(LOTCA-G).Results : 1. The average scores for LOTCA-G of the elderlies were 92.17±10.66 out of total score 104. The scores were higher for younger person than older person, and a person who had a higher education level.2. The scores for each sub test of LOTCA-G were significantly got lower for older and lower education level group.3. Each sub test of LOTCA-G was significantly correlated in the most of the subtest except for the performance and attentiveness/concentration.4. When comparing Mini-Mmental State Examination test - Korean Version(MMSE-K) with LOTCA-G’s scored, they showed significant correlations. And according to classification on the MMSE-K’s scores, the scores of LOTCA-G were 96.35±5.52(over 24), 87.72±5.52(23-18), and 55.40±16.56(below 17). LOTCA-G’s scores for each classification had significant diffferences.Conclusion : Using LOTCA-G, elderlies in urban areas’ cognitive function levels had differences in age and education level. Comparing to the MMSE-K, LOTCA-G had significant correlations, so this showed that LOTCA-G adapted into Koreans used in study had validity in evaluating cognitive function.However, considering the differences in psychomeric evaluation scores which affected by culture and society, it is required to develop korean version LOTCA-G by modifying it and adding complements in later study.