Semantic fluency tests are frequently used both in clinical and experimental studies with the purpose of assessing cognitive functions. Since demographic variables have quite an explanatory effect on cognitive functions, this study aims to investigate the predictor power of the demographic variables on semantic fluency scores. 389 healthy adults aged between 50and84 who had education up to24years participated in the study. The participants were asked to produce as many names as possible in one minute. When the results are examined, it has been observed that as the education increased, so did the number of words. Also as age increased, the number of words decreased. The education has been found to be effective on categorical error. The findings that have been acquired from this study demonstrate that education and age have an explanatory effect on these tests. Therefore, it will be important to take these variables into consideration when these tests, which are frequently used in clinics, are carried out for an accurate cognitive assessment.
Key words: verbal fluency, semantic fluency, neuropsychological test, cognition, demographic variables. Article Language: Turkish English
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