A-201 Attention Span, Verbal Memory, and Spatial Memory as Variables in Neuropsychological Test Performance

Abstract Objective: We investigated (a) the role of attention span, verbal, and spatial memory in performance on widely used neuropsychological tests, and; (b) the impact of anxiety and depression on tests of attention span and verbal and spatial memory. Participants and Method: 579 referrals to memory disorders clinic, 60% women, 84% white non-Hispanic, average age 59.8±15.7 and education 14.9±2.9 years. Referred to help diagnose symptoms of forgetfulness, distractibility, and/or word finding difficulties. Used comprehensive battery (HRNES-R) and protocols were screened for performance invalidity. Results: Ten measures of attention and memory were factor analyzed (PCA/Varimax) yielding three factors: Spatial Recall (SR), Verbal Recall (VR), and Attention Span (AS). Age, not education, was related to AS (-.34) and SR (-.32), ps