Normative data of the Spanish-Complutense verbal learning test (TAVEC) in a sample of Argentine adults

Abstract

Introduction: The evaluation of memory has increased relevance because of the place occupied by its alterations in neuropsychological syndromes of wide prevalence. The TAVEC evaluates strategies and processes involved in learning and remembering of verbal material. Objective: Generate normative data of the TAVEC for the adult population of Córdoba-Argentina, with high level of instruction. Subjects and methods: 260 subjects aged between 25 and 88 years and with 12 or more years of education were selected. The influence of sex, age and educational level was analysed and statistics of mean and standard deviation were calculated. Results: Statistically significant relationships were found between age and TAVEC sub test. No interactions were found with sex. Statistically significant relationships were seen for education only for variables of perseveration and discrimination index. Normative tables were stratified by age, and years of instruction in case necessary, with mean values and standard deviation for each subtest. Conclusion: Until this research, there have been no normative studies of the TAVEC in the Argentine population. The present standardization would be a valid parameter in neurocognitive evaluation processes of adults with high level of instruction.