The Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test: applicability for the Brazilian elderly population

Braz J Psychiatry. 2007 Dec;29(4):324-9. doi: 10.1590/s1516-44462006005000053. Epub 2008 Jan 8.

Abstract

Objective: The Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test is a widely recognized test in neuropsychological literature to evaluate learning and memory. This paper presents the performance of six age groups of Brazilian elderly on the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test.

Method: A version of the test was developed with a list of high-frequency one-syllable and two-syllable concrete Portuguese substantives. Two hundred and twenty-three subjects of both genders were allocated to 6 age groups (60-64, 65-69; 70-74; 75-79; 80-84 and 85-89 years old) and tested with the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test.

Results: Educational level and age had a positive and a negative correlation, respectively, with performance on the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test. Women performed significantly better than men. Our results were similar to those found for the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test English version, across similar age ranges.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the Brazilian Portuguese Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test adaptation was adequate and applicable for evaluating the memory capacity of Brazilian subjects, across similar age and educational levels.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Brazil
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Language
  • Male
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests / standards*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Sex Distribution
  • Sex Factors
  • Space Perception / physiology*
  • Verbal Learning / physiology*