Reading Abilities in Healthy Older Adults and Cognitively-Impaired Older Adults
Date of Submission
Spring 2025
Document Type
Closed Research Project
Degree Name
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Department
Speech-Language Pathology
First Advisor
Malathy Venkatesh, PhD, CCC-SLP
Abstract
This observational study examined the reading comprehension and oral reading performance of 12 participants, comprising 10 healthy older adults, one participant with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and one participant with dementia using two books from the Stories for Older Adults™ series. The results indicate that both reading speed and reading comprehension decline due to cognitive impairment. However, the use of adapted print and visual supports was found to promote sustained reading engagement among participants, even in the presence of cognitive difficulties.
Recommended Citation
Austin, Zoe, "Reading Abilities in Healthy Older Adults and Cognitively-Impaired Older Adults" (2025). Speech-Language Pathology Research Projects. 48.
https://scholarworks.atsu.edu/slp-researchprojects/48