Sources of age differences on the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test

The contributions of visuo-spatial abilities, organization, and memory to adult age differences on the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test were evaluated by means of the Boston Qualitative Scoring System (BQSS), the standard 36-point system, and an extension of the standard system. Age deficits in copying were due to minor inaccuracies of drawing, but not to poor organization. In the recall condition, robust declines were primarily the result of omission of elements rather than visuo-spatial distortions or poor organization. Comparisons of results based on the BQSS and the extended 36-point scoring system provide evidence for advantages and disadvantages of each.