Normative data for the 12-item Buschke memory task in the Quebec-French population aged 50 and over

ObjectiveThe 12-item Buschke memory test is used to assess verbal episodic memory in adults and older adults. However, there is no normative data for this test adjusted to the older Quebec-French population. The aim of the study was to produce normative data for the 12-item Buschke for the Quebec-French population aged 50 and older.MethodThe normative sample consisted of 172 healthy French-speaking participants aged 50-89 years, from the Province of Quebec (Canada). The influence of age, years of formal education, and sex on five 12-item Buschke scores were analyzed. Based on the distribution of scores, normative data were developed as Z-scores equation, regression equation, and percentiles.ResultsAge, years of formal education, and sex were all associated with performance. Equations to calculate Z-scores were provided for the free recall trial 1 and the free recall trials 1-3. Stratified percentiles were provided for the delayed free recall and total recall 1-3.ConclusionsThe normative data for the 12-item Buschke improve the accuracy of clinicians to detect verbal episodic memory impairments in Quebec's aging population.

Automated summary

This study aimed to provide normative data for the 12-item Buschke memory test in the Quebec-French population aged 50 and older. Results showed that age, years of formal education, and sex were associated with performance on the test. Normative data were provided in the form of Z-scores equations and percentiles. These findings are important for improving clinicians' accuracy in detecting verbal episodic memory impairments in Quebec's aging population.