Normative data of the Argentine version of the Signoret battery for mnesic efficiency (BEM 144) to be applied in neuropsychological assessment

Abstract

Introduction: There are few batteries of episodic verbal memory adapted to our environment. The Signoret Mnesic efficiency battery (BEM 144) allows observing the overall functioning of episodic memory and learning ability, and quantifying mnemonic deficits. Objective: To present the normative data of the verbal subtests of the BEM 144 and to analyze the discriminative validity for the detection of verbal episodic memory disorders in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Materials and methods: A total of 227 normal subjects aged 20-93 years old were selected. Their results were compared with 95 subjects who fulfilled criteria for MCI. Normative data were obtained for the subtests of the BEM 144. Positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) and positive/negative likelihood ratio (LR+/LR-) were calculated. Receiver Operator Characteristics (ROC) and Area under the curve (ABC) curves were also obtained. Results: Within the normal subjects, the age factor presented the highest correlation with the mnesic variables. There was no significant correlation (P>.05) between the mnesic and formal education variables. We performed scales for 6 age groups. The group over 86 years old scored the lowest. Regarding the patients with MCI, the ROC curves presented a good diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.83) for clue recall variable and recognition by clue and election. Conclusion: The Argentine version of the BEM 144 is a valid and effective detection instrument for the diagnosis of patients with MCI.