Norms for Testing Visual Binding Using the Memory Associative Test (TMA-93) in Older Educationally-Diverse Adults

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cognitive Assessment
• Gerontology

Background:

• The TMA-93 cognitive test utilizes images, offering potential benefits for individuals with lower educational attainment.
• Establishing normative data is crucial for accurate cognitive assessment in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To obtain normative data for the TMA-93 cognitive test in an older Spanish adult population.
• To evaluate the test's performance and suitability across different age and education levels.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional normative study was conducted with 1,131 participants aged 50 and over in Andalusia, Spain.
• Participants were recruited from a neurology outpatient clinic, excluding those with memory complaints.
• Sociodemographic variables including age, gender, and education were recorded, and the TMA-93 was administered.

Main Results:

• The TMA-93 total score distribution was non-normal, asymmetric, and leptokurtic.
• Lower education and older age were associated with mitigated score distributions.
• Stratified analysis revealed significant variations in 5-percentile scores based on age and education.

Conclusions:

• The TMA-93 exhibits a ceiling effect in non-cognitively impaired older Spanish adults.
• Cognitive test scores are influenced by age and education level.
• The TMA-93 is a feasible cognitive assessment tool for low-educated individuals.