Selecting the Appropriate Memory Test for Patients with Stroke: Criterion Validity of the Buschke Selective Reminding Test

Abstract

Accurate assessment of memory following a stroke is important for patient rehabilitation. The Buschke Selective Reminding Test (SRT) is a test of verbal learning and memory that can be used to assess many clinical populations. The current study investigated the criterion validity of the SRT by comparing scores from patients with stroke to healthy controls, and identified scores on the SRT that best differentiate between these two groups. Participants included 65 patients with stroke and 65 age-and education-matched healthy controls. The control group differed significantly from patients with stroke on all scores (p <.01). Spearman’s rho correlations revealed potential multicollinearity between multiple SRT measures. Binomial logistic regression suggested SRT scores differentiated patients with stroke from controls, and correctly classified 76% of cases. Lower continuous long-term retrieval (CLTR) scores were more likely among patients with stroke. Results supported the SRT as useful for identifying verbal learning and memory impairment in acute stroke inpatients.