Development of Two Spanish versions of the Verbal Selective Reminding Test

The Selective Reminding procedure has become a widely used test for evaluating verbal learning and memory. However, since this test was mainly devised for use in English speaking individuals, disadvantages could appear when translations of the test are applied to Spanish speaking patients. To overcome these difficulties, two Spanish versions of the Verbal Selective Reminding Test were devised and administered to 48 healthy individuals, 19-31 years in age, in two separate sessions. We found that performances on the two forms were comparable, except for one measure. All the variables on both forms yielded significant positive correlations. We also examined test-retest reliability separately for both possible orders, with Order 2 (Form 2 administered first) being more reliable than Order 1 (Form 1 administered first).     

Alternate forms of selective reminding for children

Abstract

Two alternate forms of Selective Reminding were constructed according to criteria suggested by Kraemer, Peabody, Tinklenberg, and Yesavage (1983). The new forms, as well as the four-footed-animal version, were administered to 55 children aged 9- to 12-years-old from middle and lower socioeconomic groups. The two new forms were equivalent on two dependent measures of the Selective Reminding test. The results suggest that the two new alternate forms are equivalent and reliable for clinical use.     

The brief repeatable battery of neuropsychological tests: normative values allow application in multiple sclerosis clinical practice

The Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRB-N) is a sensitive measure of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. It consists of the Selective Reminding Test, the 10/36 Spatial Recall Test, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test and the Word List Generation Test. We administered one of two parallel versions of the test battery to 140 healthy subjects to produce normative values for both versions. As expected, test scores were influenced by certain variables like age, gender and education. Although constructed as two equivalent versions, for some tests the two versions showed significant differences in test scores, which could not be explained by differences in these variables.     

Comparison of two brief neuropsychological batteries in people with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND: We compared two brief neuropsychological batteries devised to assess people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and used them to assess the relationship between cognitive impairment and dinical characteristics. METHODS: We administered either the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRBNT) or the Screening Examination for Cognitive Impairment (SEFCI) to 213 consecutive MS outpatients and 213 individually matched controls. RESULTS: Administration times were longer for BRBNT than SEFCI, for MS and controls (p=0.001). People with MS had lower scores in all individual tests than controls (p<0.001, BRBNT and SEFCI). By the criterion of poor performance on one or more tests, the sensitivity of BRBNT was 41.9% and that of SEFCI 31.5%. The corresponding figures by poor performance on two or more tests were 16.2% for BRBNT and 18.5% for SEFCI. The Buschke Selective Reminding and Paced Auditory Serial Addition were the tests best discriminating between people with MS and controls for BRBNT, and the Symbol Digit Modalities test for SEFCI. The only clinical variable independently associated with impaired performance on these batteries was EDSS. CONCLUSIONS: Both cognitive batteries were well accepted and easy to administer. Administration time for SEFCI was significantly shorter than for BRBNT; however, alternative forms for serial evaluation are available only for BRBNT. The BRBNT was slightly more sensitive in detecting impairment by the criterion of poor perfomance on one or more tests. EDSS score was the only clinical variable independently associated with cognitive impairment     

Discrimination of normal from demented elderly on a Spanish version of the verbal Selective Reminding Test

The verbal Selective Reminding Test (vSRT) is a frequently used test for evaluating verbal learning and memory. In the present study we investigated the construct validity of a Spanish version of the vSRT by determining its ability to distinguish between a group of healthy elderly subjects and a group of patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). Further validation of the test was assessed by comparing the pattern of memory deficits found in the group of patients with DAT with findings from previous neuropsychological research concerning with memory impairments in English-speaking patients with Alzheimer's disease. Analyses revealed that the test was able to differentiate normal individuals from patients with DAT. In addition the pattern of memory functioning found in the group of patients with DAT was consistent with findings of previous experimental and clinical reports. These results support the construct validity of the Spanish version of the vSRT.     

Discrimination of Normal from Demented Elderly on a Spanish Version of the Verbal Selective Reminding Test

The verbal Selective Reminding Test (vSRT) is a frequently used test for evaluating verbal learning and memory. In the present study we investigated the construct validity of a Spanish version of the vSRT by determining its ability to distinguish between a group of healthy elderly subjects and a group of patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). Further validation of the test was assessed by comparing the pattern of memory deficits found in the group of patients with DAT with findings from previous neuropsychological research concerning with memory impairments in English-speaking patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Analyses revealed that the test was able to differentiate normal individuals from patients with DAT. In addition the pattern of memory functioning found in the group of patients with DAT was consistent with findings of previous experimental and clinical reports. These results support the construct validity of the Spanish version of the vSRT.     

Assessment of verbal memory in temporal lobe epilepsy using the selective reminding test: Equivalence and reliability of alternate forms

Each of four forms of the verbal Selective Reminding Test (vSRT) were administered in counterbalanced order to 24 patients with epilepsy. Results of repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated that the forms were equivalent in difficulty. Furthermore, no practice effect was detected, in that performance on the first administration did not differ significantly from the second, third or fourth administrations, regardless of form. Although the four forms were found to be equivalent in difficulty and without significant practice effect, intercorrelation of forms was modest in magnitude. The measures derived from standard scoring of the vSRT (Total Recall, Long-Term Storage, Long-Term Retrieval, and Consistent Long-Term Retrieval) were highly intercorrelated. Factor analysis of these indices yielded a single factor solution for each of the four forms. We recommend using a single composite measure and obtaining multiple baseline estimates. This may provide a more reliable and stable estimate of verbal memory impairment, resulting in improved identification of patients with dominant temporal lobe epilepsy.     

Changes in individual and group spatial and verbal learning characteristics after anterior temporal lobectomy

Purpose:   To evaluate the effects of anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) on individual and group spatial and verbal learning and memory abilities as a function of side of surgery and seizure control outcome.
Methods:   We evaluated pre- and postsurgical learning and memory abilities of 75 left-hemisphere language dominant individuals who underwent ATL (33 left, 42 right) using the 8-trial Nonverbal Selective Reminding test and the 12-trial Verbal Selective Reminding test.
Results:   Reliable change index methods indicated that 40.5% of individuals who underwent right-ATL had a clinically significant decline in spatial memory, and 62.5% of individuals who underwent left-ATL had a significant reduction in verbal memory. Growth curve analyses indicated that both side of surgery and poor seizure outcome independently affected the learning slope in the best fitting models. Left-ATL reduced the slope, but did not affect the overall shape, of verbal learning across trials. On the other hand, poor seizure control outcome affected the slope of spatial learning regardless of the side of surgery.
Discussion:   Results demonstrate both individual and group declines in spatial memory and learning after ATL. Results suggest that individuals who undergo right-ATL should be counseled regarding the likelihood of a decline in spatial memory and learning abilities after ATL. Results also suggest that individuals with poor seizure control after ATL should be referred for rehabilitation services given the significant declines in spatial and verbal memory that occurred in our sample regardless of side of surgery.     

Desarrollo,estudio de equivalencia y datos normativos de la versión española B del Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test

IntroductionThe Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) is widely used for the assessment of verbal episodic memory, mainly in patients with Alzheimer disease. A Spanish version of the FCSRT and normative data were developed within the NEURONORMA project. Availability of alternative, equivalent versions is useful for following patients up in clinical settings. This study aimed to develop an alternative version of the original FCSRT (version B) and to study its equivalence to the original Spanish test (version A), and its performance in a sample of healthy individuals, in order to develop reference data.MethodsWe evaluated 232 healthy participants of the NEURONORMA-Plus project, aged between 18 and 90. Thirty-three participants were assessed with both versions using a counterbalanced design.ResultsHigh intra-class correlation coefficients (between 0.8 and 0.9) were observed in the equivalence study. While no significant differences in performance were observed in total recall scores, free recall scores were significantly lower for version B.ConclusionsThese preliminary results suggest that the newly developed FCSRT version B is equivalent to version A in the main variables tested. Further studies are necessary to ensure interchangeability between versions. We provide normative data for the new version.     

Predicting development of dementia in the elderly with the Selective Reminding Test

The ability to predict the development of dementia through the detection of memory impairment in nondemented individuals was assessed with the Selective Reminding Test (SR), a popular test of verbal memory functioning in the elderly. The SR was administered to 385 nondemented volunteer subjects (mean age = 80.4 years) enrolled in a longitudinal study of risk factors in the development of dementia. Of these, 36 subjects ultimately became demented. SR scores obtained from 1 to 2 years prior to the diagnosis of dementia were compared with a set of previously established cutoff scores derived from a cognitively normal elderly sample. The results demonstrated that sum of recall and delayed recall were the SR measures best able to predict dementia with sensitivities of 47% and 44%, respectively. The predictive values were 37% and 40%, respectively, or better than two-and-one-half times the base rate. The contributions of both the SR Test and the Fuld Object-Memory Test (OM) were discussed in terms of the further understanding of the characteristics of the preclinical phase of dementia.     

Selective reminding test: an examination of the equivalence of four forms

Four forms of a selective reminding test were administered to 20 male and 20 female subjects 1 week apart in one of four orders determined by a Latin square. On many of the dependent measures, Form 1 was significantly more difficult than the other three forms, which were equivalent in difficulty. For many of the measures, performance on the first test administered was significantly lower than that on the third and fourth tests administered. Performance on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th tests administered was similar. Males made significantly more intrusions than females. Interclass correlation coefficients ranged from .414 to .654. Implications for clinical use of the selective reminding tests are discussed.     

Selective reminding test: An examination of the equivalence of four forms

Abstract

Four forms of a selective reminding test were administered to 20 male and 20 female subjects 1 week apart in one of four orders determined by a Latin square. On many of the dependent measures, Form 1 was significantly more difficult than the other three forms, which were equivalent in difficulty. For many of the measures, performance on the first test administered was significantly lower than that on the third and fourth tests administered. Performance on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th tests administered was similar. Males made significantly more intrusions than females. Interclass correlation coefficients ranged from 414 to 654. Implications for clinical use of the selective reminding tests are discussed.     

The Open-Trial Selective Reminding Test (OT-SRT) as a tool for the assessment of learning and memory

The Open Trial Selective Reminding Test (OT-SRT) is a modification of the SRT that also evaluates new learning abilities. The examinee is asked to learn a list of 10 words over a maximum of 15 trials. Using a criterion-referenced approach, the list is repeatedly administered until a criterion of complete recall on two consecutive trials is achieved. Training to criterion provides a better assessment of learning ability than the traditional fixed trial list-learning paradigm. Recall and recognition is then tested 30 and 90 minutes following the learning trials. This paper presents normative data on the OT-SRT for 117 healthy controls (Study 1) and 151 participants with clinically definite multiple sclerosis (Study 2).     

Assessment of verbal memory in spanish-speaking elders: Development of two frequency-matched list learning tests

Abstract

Because the percentage of the population speaking Spanish primarily or exclusively has increased steadily in recent years, the need for neuropsychological measures to assess cognition in these individuals also has grown. We describe two frequency-matched, semantically categorized word lists that were designed to assess verbal memory in Spanish-speakers. The testing procedure consists of five immediate free recall trials and a single delayed free recall trial. These list learning tests were administered to healthy older adults (mean age: 75 years) and preliminary normative data are provided. These measures are likely to be useful in the assessment of verbal memory in Spanish-speaking individuals.     

Verbal memory impairment in children with focal epilepsy

Findings of both material- and hemisphere-specific influence on memory performance in children with epilepsy are inconsistent. Verbal memory of 80 children with focal epilepsy, aged 7 to 16, was assessed and compared with verbal memory of 80 healthy schoolchildren. The Verbal Selective Reminding test was used to distinguish between patients with left-sided (N=38) and patients with right-sided (N=42) electroencephalographic focal abnormalities. In addition, groups with temporal (N=36) and extratemporal (N=44) focal epilepsy were compared. Effects of seizure-related variables were also assessed. Children with focal epilepsy scored significantly lower on tests when compared with the healthy group. Lateralization of the EEG focus was not found to significantly affect verbal memory performance. Only the CLTR component of the Verbal Selective Reminding test was susceptible to lateralization and localization effects. Differences between the group with left and the group with right temporal epilepsy (P<0.03) and between the group with temporal and the group with extratemporal epilepsy (P<0.01) reached statistical significance.     

Normative data for a six-trial administration of the Verbal Selective Reminding Test

Normative data for 267 neurologically normal adults (age range 18-91) are provided for a six-trial administration of Form I of the Verbal Selective Reminding Test (VSRT; Hannay & Levin, 1985). Gender corrections were generated by age- and education-matched pair analyses of the VSRT performance of 82 males and 82 females. Normative data are grouped by seven age cohorts: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80-91. A regression-based procedure is provided, so that existing delayed recall norms, based on a 12-trial administration, can be utilized, following a 6-trial administration.     

Normative Data for a Six-Trial Administration of the Verbal Selective Reminding Test

Normative data for 267 neurologically normal adults (age range 18–91) are provided for a six-trial administration of Form I of the Verbal Selective Reminding Test (VSRT; Hannay & Levin, 1985). Gender corrections were generated by age- and education-matched pair analyses of the VSRT performance of 82 males and 82 females. Normative data are grouped by seven age cohorts: 18–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, and 80–91. A regression-based procedure is provided, so that existing delayed recall norms, based on a 12-trial administration, can be utilized, following a 6-trial administration.     

Recall memory deficit in schizophrenia. A possible manifestation of prefrontal dysfunction

Patients with schizophrenia have memory deficits when compared to other neuropsychiatric and normal samples, but the mechanism by which the deficits arise is obscure. In the present study, 13 older, less educated normal subjects, and 31 inpatients with schizophrenia were administered the Selective Reminding test. In addition, the schizophrenic patients received the Mini Mental State Exam and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. While normal subjects performed at a higher level on various measures of recall, a significant effect of repeated trials was present for each group for each measure, indicating that both groups learned. Normal subjects also outperformed the patients on a test of recognition memory. However, the patients exhibited a significantly greater disparity between recognition and recall than did the normal subjects, suggesting they were better able to acquire new information than to retrieve it ('forgetting to remember'). Moreover, anergia, a factor measure on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, correlated significantly with recall, but not recognition memory, in the patient group. The data are suggestive of prefrontal-type cognitive and behavioral deficits in schizophrenia.     

Further evidence for dementia of the prefrontal type in schizophrenia? A controlled study of teaching the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test

Recent physiological and cognitive studies of schizophrenia have implicated dysfunction of prefrontal cortex as a possible explanation for some of the disabling intellectual and social aspects of the disorder. To investigate the potential reversibility of cognitive deficits and the role of state variables, eg, attention and motivation, three groups of patients with schizophrenia were administered the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test on six consecutive occasions. Two of the groups received incremental information on how to do the test, including explicit card-by-card instruction. The third group served as a control. Regardless of the degree of instruction, patients who could not do the test could not learn it. The deficit did not appear generalized, as patients were able to learn word lists on the Selective Reminding memory test and were not globally demented on the Mini-Mental State Examination. These data suggest that prefrontal-type cognitive deficits in schizophrenia may be more profound than is generally appreciated.     

Increased mental slowing associated with the APOE epsilon4 allele after trihexyphenidyl oral anticholinergic challenge in healthy elderly.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to examine the relationship between APOE epsilon4 and subjective effects of trihexyphenidyl on measures reflecting sedation and confusion and to investigate the relationship between trihexyphenidyl-induced subjective effects and objective memory performance. METHODS: This study comprised 24 cognitively intact, health elderly adults (12 APOE epsilon4 carriers) at an outpatient geriatric psychiatry research clinic. This was a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, three-way, crossover experimental design. All participants received 1.0 mg or 2.0 mg trihexyphenidyl or placebo administered in counterbalanced sequences over a period of three consecutive weeks. Bond and Lader's visual analog scales and alternate versions of the Buschke Selective Reminding Test were administered in a repeated measures design at baseline, 1, 2.5, and 5 hours postdrug administration. RESULTS: A 2.0-mg oral dose of trihexyphenidyl resulted in increased subjective ratings of mental slowness in carriers of the APOE epsilon4 allele only. Drug effects as determined by difference scores between 2.0 mg trihexyphenidyl and placebo on ratings of mental slowness significantly correlated with total and delayed recall on the Buschke Selective Reminding Test in carriers of the APOE epsilon4 allele only. However, no significant effects were found with other visual analog scales reflecting subjective sedation and clear-headedness. CONCLUSION: The epsilon4 allele in healthy elderly was associated with increased subjective mental slowing after trihexyphenidyl anticholinergic challenge.