M1-Alpha test in normal subjects with low educational level: a pilot study

To determine the performance of normal subjects with low educational level on the M1-Alpha test, and to obtain parameters for potential use in the clinical evaluation of aphasic patients with low educational level.

Participants were 30 normal subjects with low educational level (one to four years of schooling), 15 male and 15 female, with ages over 18 years and below 60 years. All subjects were submitted to the M1-Alpha test, which comprehends semi-directed interview and controlled tasks. One point was given for every correct answer. Data were statistically analyzed.

It was verified a higher number of errors, as well as greater variability of responses, in the following tasks: copying, writing to dictation, reading comprehension, and reading aloud.

Low educational level influences the performance of subjects on the tasks copying, writing to dictation, reading aloud, and reading comprehension. It was possible to obtain reference data for potential clinical application of the M1-Alpha test in patients with low educational level.