The need to adapt neuropsychological tests to population changes. An update of the Italian normative data for three tests: Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure, Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices and COWAT -FAS

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Normative data for cognitive tests can become obsolete due to the Flynn Effect.
• Outdated norms may overestimate cognitive abilities, impacting clinical diagnoses.
• Regular updating of test norms is crucial for accurate neuropsychological assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update normative data for three widely used dementia screening tests in Italy: Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure, Coloured Progressive Matrices, and Controlled Oral Word Association.
• To provide current age, gender, and education-corrected scores for these cognitive tests.
• To reaffirm the necessity of periodic norm updates in neuropsychological testing.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 364 healthy Italian adults (age ≥ 40).
• Data collected from Rome and surrounding areas, with participants grouped by five-year age intervals (40-85).
• Applied linear models to derive correction scores for age, education, and gender; calculated percentiles and equivalent scores.

Main Results:

• Obtained updated normative data for the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure, Coloured Progressive Matrices, and Controlled Oral Word Association tests, adjusted for age, gender, and education.
• Confirmed age-related declines and education-related improvements in cognitive performance, with mixed gender effects.
• Observed a general increase in mean scores compared to previous Italian normative studies, reflecting the Flynn Effect.

Conclusions:

• The updated scores offer current benchmarks for the Italian population in clinical and research settings.
• The study reinforces the significant influence of aging, education, and gender on cognitive function.
• Highlights the ongoing importance of the Flynn Effect and the need for regular updates to neuropsychological test norms.