# Spanish norms focused on learning measures for the picture version of the free and cued selective reminding test with immediate recall

## TL;DR

This study establishes memory test norms for a Spanish population using a picture-based memory test with immediate recall.

## Contribution

Provides first Spanish norms for learning measures in the picture-based FCSRT with immediate recall.

## Key findings

- Total recall scores showed a ceiling effect, with 90.7% scoring above 46 points.
- Free recall scores varied with education and an age-by-sex interaction was identified.
- A 46/47 cutoff point for total recall is proposed for memory impairment diagnosis.

## Abstract

The Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) is a gold-standard among memory tests. Administration focused on learning measures may be more feasible for settings with limited face-to-face time per patient.

To obtain norms based on learning measures for the picture version of the FCSRT with Immediate Recall (pFCSRT + IR) from Spanish population.

A prospective normative study. Cognitively unimpaired volunteers were systematically recruited if eligible (age ≥50, no memory complaints, and a total TMA-93 score at or above the 10th percentile). In a second and independent session, the pFCSRT-IR was administered and its free recall and total recall (learning measures) were scored (range of score: 0–48 points). If a variable showed a high ceiling effect it was dichotomized; otherwise, a regression-based method was followed.

The final sample included 257 participants. Mean age and years of schooling were 67.46 (SD = 9.42, range = 50–88) years and 10.30 (SD = 5.81, range = 0–30) years, respectively. 68.9% were females. Scores for total recall showed ceiling effect, with 90.7% of the participants scoring > 46, which allowed dichotomizing the cutoff point at 46/47 (10th percentile). Free recall scores exhibited variability and were influenced by years of schooling, as well as by an age-by-sex interaction identified in the regression analysis.

The study provides norms based on learning measures for using the pFCSRT + IR in Spain. The 46/47 cutoff point for total recall may be a reliable and easy-to-use measure for diagnosing memory impairment. Norms for free recall must also take an age-by-sex interaction into account.