Face Recognition in the Elderly

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess face recognition ability in a large sample of elders (n=572, mean age=78.1 years) and to identify factors that affect performance. Face recognition was measured by presenting standardized faces of varying sizes to simulate normal-sized faces at different viewing distances. Subjects were asked to identify the name of the person and their facial expression. Threshold equivalent viewing distance (EVD) was calculated. High- and low-contrast acuity, contrast sensitivity, low-contrast/low-luminance acuity, disability glare, stereoacuity, and visual field measures (with and without an attentional task) were also measured. These vision measures, along with demographic information (age, sex, education) and cognitive status, were included in a multiple regression analysis to determine which factors predicted task performance. This cross-sectional sample of elders showed significant declines in face recognition with age. Mean threshold EVD ranged from 8.0 m for participants