Tower of London Test
The Tower of London Test is a cognitive test designed to assess visual, spatial and working memory skills. It is a type of executive function test, which measures an individual’s ability to plan, sequence and execute a task. The test is often used to assess people with neurological conditions, such as dementia, Parkinson’s Disease or head injury. However, it is suitable for use in other populations, including children, to assess executive functioning.
The Tower of London Test involves the participant arranging a set of colored blocks on a 3-level tower so that specific goals for each level in the tower are met. The blocks are of varying sizes and colors and the participant is presented with a ‘starter level’ which shows how the blocks should look at each level. The participant is then presented with a ‘goal state’ of the tower which contains a certain number of blocks at each level and the blocks must be arranged according to their color and size within the levels so that it matches the goal state.
The participant must plan, sequence and execute a logical sequence of movements to match the starter level and then shift the blocks according to that pattern provided in the goal state. The test consists of 10 trials, each with a different goal pattern. The test provides a measure of time taken to complete the task, as well as a measure of errors made in arranging the blocks.
The Tower of London Test is a useful tool to assess higher cognitive skills such as problem solving, staying focused, planning and sequencing actions, and visual-spatial ability. It has been found to be particularly useful in detecting deficits in people with various neurological disorders. In addition, it can be used to measure the difference between specific subtypes of mental disorders, or even the degree of cognitive deprivation, as the time taken and number of errors made to complete each trial on the tower are recorded. It can also be used to track cognitive functioning after head injury or treatment for neurological conditions.
Overall, the Tower of London Test provides an objective measure of executive functioning. It is an important evaluation tool for clinicians, as it helps to diagnose and track cognitive deficits in people with various neurological conditions. Furthermore, it can help to provide an indication of the severity of the condition, allowing for more tailored treatment plans to be developed.
