Psychometric properties and reference data for Danish versions of Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test, Category Cued Memory Test and Logical Memory.

Abstract

Memory assessment is a key element in neuropsychological testing. Gold standard evaluation is based on updated normative data, but in many small countries (e.g. in Scandinavia) such data are sparse. In Denmark, reference data exist for non-verbal memory tests and list-learning tests but there is no normative data for memory tests which capture narrative recall and cued recall. In a nation-wide study, Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT), WMS-III Logical Memory (LM) and a newly developed test Category Cued Memory Test (CCMT-48) were applied in 131 cognitively intact persons (aged 60-96 years). Regression-based reference data for Danish versions of FCSRT, CCMT-48 and LM adjusted for age, education and gender are provided. Gender and age-group had a significant impact on the expected scores, whereas the effect of education had a limited effect on expected scores. Test performances were significantly correlated in the range 0.21-0.51. Based on these findings and previous results it may be relevant to assess both free recall, cued recall and recognition to tap the earliest changes associated with neurodegeneration, and this study therefore provides an important supplement to existing Danish normative data. Future studies should investigate the discriminative validity of the tests and the clinical utility of the presented reference data.