Standardization of the normative group for the third version of the test of visual attention - TAVIS.

Despite the importance of objective measures of attention to clinical practice, there is a paucity of Brazilian standardized tests. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was the standardization of a normative group for the third version of a computerized test of visual attention (TAVIS-3), developed to evaluate children and adolescents in the 6 to 17 years age range. METHODS: 631 students from 3 schools in Rio de Janeiro city were assessed with TAVIS-3, administered by experienced psychologists, following parents' authorization. RESULTS: The normative groups were determined considering performance of different age groups: from 6 to 10 years (with scores for 5 different ages); from 11 to 12 and from 13 to 17 years. Three tasks (focused, shifted and sustained attention) were standardized for each age group. CONCLUSION: The standardization of a normative group for TAVIS-3 discriminated performance ranges for distinct age groups, allowing its use as a neuropsychological assessment of attention.

Embora a avaliação objetiva da atenção seja de extrema importância para a prática clínica, observa-se escassez de testes neuropsicológicos com padronização brasileira para esta função. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi desenvolver um grupo normativo de referência para a terceira versão de teste computadorizado de atenção visual (TAVIS-3), destinado à avaliação de crianças e adolescentes com idades entre 6 e 17 anos. MÉTODOS: 631 alunos de 3 instituições de ensino da cidade do Rio de Janeiro foram submetidos ao TAVIS-3, administrado por aplicadores treinados, mediante autorização dos pais. RESULTADOS: A divisão dos grupos etários levando-se em consideração as diferenças de desempenho permitiu identificar faixas etárias de 6 aos 10 anos (com escores para cada uma das 5 idades compreendidas); de 11 a 12 anos e de 13 a 17 anos. Três tarefas distintas de atenção (seletiva, alternada e sustentada) foram padronizadas para cada faixa etária avaliada. CONCLUSÕES: A padronização de grupo normativo para o TAVIS-3 permitiu individualizar o desempenho de acordo com a idade, para uso como instrumento de avaliação neuropsicológica de atenção.

Memory complaints and test performance in healthy elderly persons

In order to compare the use of a structured self-report questionnaire with direct questioning about memory problems, 71 healthy and independent aged individuals (63 women) from the community without risk factors for cognitive deficits were objectively asked about subjective memory complaints (SMC), given the Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q) and then submitted to the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). SMC positively correlated with higher scores on MAC-Q, although a significant percentage of the sample had SMC and lower scores on MAC-Q and also no SMC and higher scores on MAC-Q. Performance on RAVLT was significantly worse (p<0.05) for the group presenting SMC but not for the group with higher scores on the MAC-Q. We conclude that direct questioning maybe more clinically significant than a self report questionnaire, at least for elderly persons from the community without risk factors for cognitive decline or depression

Memory complaints and test performance in healthy elderly persons.

In order to compare the use of a structured self-report questionnaire with direct questioning about memory problems, 71 healthy and independent aged individuals (63 women) from the community without risk factors for cognitive deficits were objectively asked about subjective memory complaints (SMC), given the Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q) and then submitted to the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). SMC positively correlated with higher scores on MAC-Q, although a significant percentage of the sample had SMC and lower scores on MAC-Q and also no SMC and higher scores on MAC-Q. Performance on RAVLT was significantly worse (p<0.05) for the group presenting SMC but not for the group with higher scores on the MAC-Q. We conclude that direct questioning maybe more clinically significant than a self report questionnaire, at least for elderly persons from the community without risk factors for cognitive decline or depression.