The QuickScreen dyslexia test confirms research that says we start to show signs of mild dyslexia as we get older.
Dyslexia in older adults was the focus of a study carried out at Dundee University (Aging makes us Dyslexic, 2012). Professor Trevor Harley demonstrates that normal ageing can make us mildly dyslexic.
This is because of the gradual decline in higher brain functioning (executive processing). It is consistent with slower word and speech processing, lapses in memory and concentration. The main finding being that phonetic processing difficulties are experienced by older non-dyslexic adults and younger dyslexics alike.
A correlated finding about dyslexia in older adults was found by Professor Levinson, at the Levinson Medical Center for Learning Disabilities in New York. He found that ageing also makes us physically more clumsy. Our motor functioning and co-ordination gradually become less reliable. This difficulty is also known to affect a number of dyslexic people of all ages to a greater or lesser extent.
Our own research into all the results of adults taking the QuickScreen dyslexia test, shows that older users (aged 45 – 65), with no history of learning difficulties, will manage most of the test items with relative ease and consistent results.
However, they tend to do significantly less well on a specific task that requires processing information, memory and hand-eye co-ordination under timed conditions. In this task older adults who are not dyslexic appear to experience similar difficulties to younger dyslexic adults.
The QuickScreen dyslexia test is available for individuals and organisations as a means to flag up indicators of dyslexia. The test is for everyone of 17 years and over – it is not just about screening for dyslexia in older adults. The test is far more thorough than many others – it goes beyond pure literacy skills. The elements that make up the test are Verbal Skills, Visual Skills, Vocabulary, Memory, Sequencing and Processing.
On completion, you are provided with a very comprehensive report of the outcomes of all elements of the test and recommended actions. The test can be completed within 1 hour or in stages.
We will continue with our observations and would love to hear what your thoughts and experiences are about dyslexia in older adults. Please comment on this blog and/or email us on [email protected].
We are delighted to be supporting the British Dyslexia Association again for the 2019 Dyslexia Awareness Week.
I am 87 and started having reading problem at the age of about 80-83 but only 2020 it has become most difficult. in 2019 I read or listened to 265 books. I have diabetes and glaucoma. have gone to same doctor for 25-26 years for thesr problems He told me in April, 2021 that he did not know why my eyes do what they do. now going to 2 different doctors, one is a cornea specialist. Neither one has addressed my problem. do not go back to the doctor that tests for glaucoma and diabetes till January. but she did send me to cornea doctor and he found right eye numb, had an infection which was fixed. I am still having much troble seeing on the computer and reading in general, but still able to work it out. Got on here today and this Visual dyslexia and autonomic neuropathy are two interesting items that come close to disscribling what my eye do.
I am Elizabeth Sudberry, age 70 yrs. Old. And in need of help for dylexsia assessment testing.
Hi there Elizabeth, thank you for your message. We would be happy to provide you with a free test of QuickScan. Is [email protected] the best email to send details too? Many thanks the QS Dyslexia team