[A new geriatric battery test].

Both the clinical and the experimental field of geriatrics are in need of an instrument to test the cognitive abilities of people aged 60 and above. By means of a pre-test of the new geriatric test-battery, those abilities, which generally decrease with age, are tested first in order to obtain a testability rating for a particular patient. The geriatric test-battery, which is based on a theory of a 4 dimensional intelligence clearly delineating the differential development of specific cognitive abilities into old age, allows a precise, differentiated assessment of the cognitive abilities of the elderly. Considering the particular characteristics of the old person, the geriatric test-battery was given a new form which minimizes the feeling of being threatened by the test and at the same time maximizes motivation. The geriatric test-battery is pleasant for both the patient and the tester, it is simple to administer, can easily be given to physically impaired or bedridden patients, and is not time consuming.