[Model of analysis in two halves for semantic fluency tasks]. / Modelo de análisis en dos mitades para tareas de fluidez semántica.

INTRODUCTION: Semantic verbal fluency (SVF) tasks involve the activation of language, semantic memory, working memory and the executive functions. The second half of the test increases the demands on working memory and search for lexical items, which can make it more difficult than the first half. AIM: To conduct a pilot study in order to standardise the two halves of the SVF test ('animals' category) in adults over 50 years of age. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two verbal fluency tasks (semantic and phonological) and the Spanish version of the Mini-Mental State Examination with working memory were applied in 122 controls (range: 50-89 years), who were distributed according to age and schooling. RESULTS: There is a significant difference between the two halves of the test adjusted for age and schooling (p < 0.0001). Scoring in the second half showed a higher correlation with age, schooling and working memory than the first half. Performance in the two halves was standardised for three age groups (50-59, 60-79 and 80-89 years) and two levels of schooling (high and low). CONCLUSIONS: The number of names in the second half of the SVF test was lower than in the first half in all the groups, which supports the hypothesis of a greater cognitive demand, probably on working memory and the search for lexical items in semantic memory. Having normative values available for the two halves of the SVF test allows simultaneous and independent interpretation of the performance at two levels of intra-task difficulty. This model of analysis complements the traditional assessment and can easily be applied in day-to-day clinical practice.

Modelo de análisis en dos mitades para tareas de fluidez semántica / Model of analysis in two halves for semantic fluency tasks

Introducción. Las tareas de fluidez verbal semántica (FVS) implican la activación del lenguaje, la memoria semántica, la memoria de trabajo y las funciones ejecutivas. En la segunda mitad del test aumentan las demandas sobre la memoria de trabajo y la búsqueda lexical, lo que puede aumentar su dificultad relativa respecto de la primera mitad. Objetivo. Estudio piloto de estandarización de las dos mitades del test de FVS, categoría ‘animales’, en adultos mayores de 50 años. Sujetos y métodos. Se aplicaron dos tareas de fluidez verbal (semántica y fonológica) y el miniexamen cognitivo con memoria de trabajo en 122 controles (rango: 50-89 años), distribuidos por edad y escolarización. Resultados. Existe una diferencia significativa entre las dos mitades del test ajustado por edad y escolarización (p < 0,0001). La puntuación en la segunda mitad mostró una correlación más alta que la primera mitad con la edad, la escolarización y la memoria de trabajo. El rendimiento en ambas mitades se estandarizó para tres grupos por edad (50-59, 60-79 y 80-89 años) y dos niveles de escolarización (alta y baja). Conclusiones. El número de nombres en la segunda mitad del test de FVS fue inferior a la primera mitad en todos los grupos, lo que apoya la hipótesis de una mayor demanda cognitiva, probablemente en memoria de trabajo y búsqueda lexical en la memoria semántica. La disponibilidad de valores normativos para las dos mitades del test de FVS permite la interpretación simultánea e independiente del rendimiento en dos niveles de dificultad intra-task. Este modelo de análisis complementa la valoración tradicional y se puede aplicar de forma sencilla en la clínica diaria

Introduction. Semantic verbal fluency (SVF) tasks involve the activation of language, semantic memory, working memory and the executive functions. The second half of the test increases the demands on working memory and search for lexical items, which can make it more difficult than the first half. Aim. To conduct a pilot study in order to standardise the two halves of the SVF test (‘animals’ category) in adults over 50 years of age. Subjects and methods. Two verbal fluency tasks (semantic and phonological) and the Spanish version of the Mini-Mental State Examination with working memory were applied in 122 controls (range: 50-89 years), who were distributed according to age and schooling. Results. There is a significant difference between the two halves of the test adjusted for age and schooling (p < 0.0001). Scoring in the second half showed a higher correlation with age, schooling and working memory than the first half. Performance in the two halves was standardised for three age groups (50-59, 60-79 and 80-89 years) and two levels of schooling (high and low). Conclusions. The number of names in the second half of the SVF test was lower than in the first half in all the groups, which supports the hypothesis of a greater cognitive demand, probably on working memory and the search for lexical items in semantic memory. Having normative values available for the two halves of the SVF test allows simultaneous and independent interpretation of the performance at two levels of intra-task difficulty. This model of analysis complements the traditional assessment and can easily be applied in day-to-day clinical practice