Comparison of “Word” vs. “Picture” version of the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) in older adults

BACKGROUND: This study examined the psychometric relationship between the Word and Picture versions of the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) and developed an equation for score conversion. METHODS: One hundred and eight-seven participants were administered the FCSRT-Picture and FCSRT-Word on two visits using a randomized counterbalanced design. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 82.1 (standard deviation or SD = 5.4) and mean education of 14.5 (SD = 3.3) years. Mean FCSRT-Picture Free Recall score (mean 33.0 years, range: 17–44 years) was 7.9 points higher than the Word score (mean 25.1 years, range: 3–43 years). The Picture and Word FCSRT correlations for Free Recall and Total Recall were r = 0.56, P < .01 and r = 0.46, P < .01, respectively. DISCUSSION: The Picture and Word versions of the FCSRT were moderately associated in a sample of cognitively normal older adults. The score mean differences and variability between FCSRT-Picture and FCSRT-Word indicate that their scores should not be considered equivalent.