Effects of repeated neuropsychological assessments

The effects of repeated administrations of neuropsychological instruments were evaluated in a group of chronic cigarette smokers who served as control subjects in a larger research project. Subjects performance on 13 neuropsychological variables across four assessments was evaluated using trend analyses. Statistically significant results were obtained on the Logical and Figurai Memory Subtests of the Wechsler Memory Scale (Form I-Russell's Revision) Part B of the Trail Making Test and the Grooved Pegboard Test (preferred hand). Of the remaining seven variables the Speech Sounds Perception Test, the Seashore Rhythm Test and Simple Auditory Reaction Time were highly consistent across all four assessments. The implications of these findings in clinical practice and research settings are addressed.