Comparison of Word Production Ability of Young and Middle-Aged Adults Using Word-Chain Tasks

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to investigate performance on a word-chain task across two age groups (youth: 20~39 years and middle-aged groups: 40~64 years).Methods: In task, we analyzed number correct responses reaction times (time from final consonant/vowel previous word initial second syllable next word). correlation between ability Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT), Korean-Mini Mental State Examination, Short form-Korean-Boston Naming Test, Korean-Trail Making Test-Elderly (K-TMT-E) (A,B) & Digit Symbol Coding (DSC) were analyzed.Results: following results obtained: (i) with increasing age, in task’s (<i>p</i> < 0.001) that COWAT gradually declined; (ii) DSC produced declined response time K-TMT-E also increased; (iii) both groups, total correlated COWAT; (iv) group showed DSC.Conclusion: might reflect aging cognitive changes normal adults.