Research Paper: Preliminary Reliability and Validity of the Iranian Computerized Version of Memory Tasks of the Betula Study

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of an Iranian computerized memory battery modeled after the Betula study. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of an Iranian computerized memory battery modeled after the Betula study (Nilsson et al., 1997). The researchers developed this battery as an assessment tool in the Sepidar prospective cohort study. One hundred and ninety-nine participants aged 19-83 years were tested extensively on different aspects of memory. Exploratory factor analysis of the data demonstrated factors similar to those reported by the Betula study. Results: The authors succeeded to converge the cross-sectional findings of the study and the data from longitudinal studies of memory aging by correcting possible cohort effects. Investigating age differences in episodic and semantic memory factor scores corrected by education and socioeconomic status revealed no significant difference between younger and older adults before ages 53 to 60, though linear age-related declines existed thereafter. Conclusion: The results support the reliability and construct validity of this computerized battery for memory assessment in Iranian adults.