Summary of the Systematic Review
Article Citation
The Use of Standardised Short-Term and Working Memory Tests in Aphasia Research: A Systematic Review
Murray, L., Salis, C., et al. (2018).
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 28(3), 309-351.
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Sponsoring Body
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health
Article Details
Description
This is a systematic review identifying and evaluating the use of standardized tests of short-term memory and working memory in aphasia. Psychometric properties of the tests, and the quality of existing studies investigating their use in aphasia, were evaluated in order to make inferences about clinical appropriateness of use in the aphasia population.
Questions/Aims Addressed
The authors aimed to
- identify standardized tests of short-term memory and working memory, verbal and non-verbal;
- evaluate the psychometric strength of these tests; and
- appraise the evidence using these tests in adults with aphasia.
Population
Adults with aphasia of any etiology
Intervention/Assessment
Standardized, norm-referenced assessments of short-term and/or working memory with clear administration and scoring procedures
Conclusions from This Systematic Review
What are Conclusions?
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Assessment
A wide variety of standardized tests for short-term and working memory have been used in adults with aphasia, but there are several issues regarding their psychometric strength and quality of evidence supporting use in aphasia. The authors state "no gold standard for evaluating [short-term memory and working memory] abilities in people with aphasia was identified" (p. 342), and call for further research on this topic.