Normative data of Brazilians Elderly in Logical Memory subtest of WMS-R

Abstract

Objective: the aim of this study was to establish normative data for the brazilians elderly population in the Logical Memory subtest (LM) of the WMS-R and investigate the ability of this subtest scores (immediate and delayed recall) to discriminate elderly with and without depressive symptoms. Method: the sample consisted of 334 elderly. The elderly answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, the MMSE, the GDS-15 and the LM subtest. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and the chi-square test, Student's t test, multiple linear regression, univariate analysis and discriminant analysis. Results: age, education and depressive symptoms significantly influenced all the scores of LM. Normative data were available according to three age groups, three levels of education, sex and presence or absence of depressive symptoms. Discussion: the results are in agreement with the literature, demonstrating the importance of establishing reference standards in accordance with sociodemographic and cultural characteristics.