Demographic influences on the performance of three memory tests by Sri Lankan older adults

Introduction: Loss of memory is the hallmark of dementia. In Sri Lanka, validated tests are not available for assessment of memory. The objective of the project was to study performance of Sri Lankan older adults on three memory tests: Lankan Verbal Learning Test (LVLT), Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT) and Modified Enhanced Cued Recall Test (MECRT).

Methods: Participants were 241 healthy individuals aged between 50 to 80 years. They were individually administered the tests by a research assistant. The LVLT is a verbal list learning task. The BVRT contains geometric figures that are presented in the recognition memory format. The MECRT assesses the memory for pictures aided with semantic cues. Means of test scores were calculated and compared for gender, age and levels of education. Multiple linear regression models were used.

Results: The mean age was 63 (SD=7.7) years. Gender effect was prominent on verbal memory scores. The test scores were influenced by gender and education level. Gender, age and education together explained 15.6% and 9.6% of the variance of verbal memory score and visual recognition memory score respectively. Variance of MECRT scores were minimally explained by demographic variables.

Conclusion: MECRT is the least influenced by demographic factors and could be used for Sri Lankan older persons irrespective of their gender, age and education.