Validação das histórias alternativas do sub-teste de memória lógica na população sénior

Abstract

Background: Aging can lead to a reduction in cognitive function, where memory is one of the main cognitive functions affected. Episodic memory, as important to explicit recall of personal experiences and events, is particularly compromised leading to an increase in memory complaints from the elderly. Such memory complaints lead to an increase in the demand neuropsychological assessment, with a recurrent use of episodic memory tests such as logical memory test. Sometimes in neuropsychological assessments there is a need for a revaluation over time, however a repeated assessment can lead to an incorrect conclusion of the individual´s cognitive functioning. It is therefore indicated the creation of alternative versions of neuropsychological tests. In Portugal, two alternative stories of the logical memory test have been recently developed, which have showed to be compatible with the original versions and therefore an alternative use when neuropsychological assessment. Methodology: It was administered the two alternative stories of the logical memory test in a sample of 50 participants with ages over 50 and with no suspicion of cognitive deterioration. Questionnaires were also administered on sociodemographic data, memory complaints, depressive symptoms and functionality, as well as other cognitive assessment measures such as the Trail Making Test and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Results: The results showed that alternative stories correlated negatively with age and positively with schooling. However, no correlations were observed between alternative stories and subjective memory complaints. There were also revealed differences in the performance in the different recalls of the stories. Conclusion: The alternative stories show results similar to those obtained in the literature, and divergent validity was also verified, reinforcing its validity as an alternative version to the original for the Portuguese population.

Date of Award	19 Dec 2024
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Filipa Ribeiro (Supervisor)