The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test: alternate forms equivalency and reliability for the Iranian adult population (Persian version).

BACKGROUND Increasing demand for memory assessment in clinical settings in Iran, as well as the absence of a comprehensive and standardized task based upon the Persian culture and language, requires an appropriate culture- and language-specific version of the commonly used neuropsychological measure of verbal learning and memory, the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). METHODS The Persian adapted version of the original RAVLT and two other alternate word lists were generated based upon criteria previously set for developing new word lists. A total of 90 subjects (three groups of 30 persons), aged 29.75±7.10 years, volunteered to participate in our study and were tested using the original word list. The practice effect was assessed by retesting the first and second groups using the same word list after 30 and 60 days, respectively. The test-retest reliability was evaluated by retesting the third group of participants twice using two new alternate word lists with an interval of 30 days. RESULTS The re-administration of the same list after one or even two months led to significant practice effects. However, the use of alternate forms after a one-month delay yielded no significant difference across the forms. The first and second trials, as well as the total, immediate, and delayed recall scores showed the best reliability in retesting by the alternate list. CONCLUSION The difference between the generated forms was minor, and it seems that the Persian version of the RAVLT is a reliable instrument for repeated neuropsychological testing as long as alternate forms are used and scores are carefully chosen.