102
Views
33
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

Improvement in NART word reading in demented and normal older persons using the Cambridge Contextual Reading Test

&
Pages 232-242 | Accepted 03 Apr 1993, Published online: 04 Jan 2008
 

Abstract

A test that assesses ability to pronounce correctly a list of irregular words (NART) has become widely used to estimate IQ particularly in elderly and demented subjects. This estimate relies on the assumption that words that are not pronounced correctly were not previously in the subject's vocabulary. This assumption was questioned by the results of a community study showing that older adults commonly mispronounced even simple NART words that were almost certainly in their vocabulary. The present study investigated the extent to which putting NART words into sentences facilitated correct pronunciation. Both normal and demented subjects substantially improved their performance when the words were seen in context. The improvement was most marked for demented subjects and for poor or average readers as compared with skilled readers. Since irregular words can only be pronounced correctly if they are in the individual's vocabulary, it appears that the NART underestimates reading ability and, hence, underestimates premorbid IQ in certain groups. We conclude that the Cambridge Contextual Reading Test (CCRT) provides a more accurate estimate of reading ability and IQ in elderly and demented subjects.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.