Development of a tool to evaluate face-name learning in portuguese speakers

Background: Learning and retrieving proper names is one of the most common complaints among older adults. However, this aspect is not commonly assessed in this population. Objective: To develop an anterograde episodic memory assessment tool that measures the ability to learn, retain and retrieve face-name associations and test its application. Methods: The face-name association (FNAT) has 2 versions (A and B) and involves learning, free recall and recognition of 12 pairs. FNAT was applied to 86 community dwelling older adults, aged 69(±6), schooling 13(±3). (64 did version A, 57 B and 35 AB). Second test (AB) occurred 2-3 months after the first. Results: In both versions, recognition scores were higher than learning and free recall respectively (version A 47±24%, 34±25%, 76±20%; version B 51±26%, 41±26%, 74±24%). In the subgroup that performed both versions, no significant differences were found between the three subtests. Conclusion: FNAT was applied successfully in our sample. Test and retest effects were not observed and the two versions demonstrated an equivalent level of difficulty. Further studies are needed to explore cutoff scores according to aging and education.