N-Back auditory test performancein normal individuals

The working memory construct refers to the capacity to maintain information for a limited time. OBJECTIVES: To devise stimuli and adapt the 5-back test and to verify the effect of age in normal Brazilian individuals. METHODS: 31 healthy adults (15 young adults and 16 older adults) were evaluated by batteries of auditory stimuli to verify the inter-group differences (age effect) in working memory span, total correct answers and intrusions, and the intra-group effect of type of stimulus. RESULTS: There was no intra-group stimulus effect. Individuals from both groups processed di and tri-syllables similarly. No difference between groups (no age effect) was observed for any N-Back parameters: total score, span, number of intrusions, in either di or tri-syllable presentation. CONCLUSION: the processing capacity of 5 elements in phonological working memory was not affected by age.