The Fuld Object-Memory Evaluation: Development and Validation of an Alternate Form

Abstract

The Fuld Object-Memory Evaluation (FOME) uses multisensory (tactile, visual, and verbal) encoding of objects for assessing memory, with particular clinical and research application in older adults. This preliminary study reports the first known psychometric data on the development of an alternate form of the FOME. Data were drawn from 102 independent-living older adults participating in a larger clinical trial. Seventy participants completed three versions of the shortened administration of the FOME, and comparability of forms was established by significant, moderate intraclass correlation coefficients for immediate and delayed recall scores. Reliable change indexes indicate the new alternate form performs well, with minimal practice or learning effects. Evidence of convergent and discriminant validity was documented using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, category fluency task, and North American Adult Reading Test. Normative data are provided stratified by age for participants completing at least one of three time points (n = 96). Results of this preliminary study provide evidence for the comparability and construct validity of a new alternate form of the FOME with prior forms. An additional well-validated form of the FOME has practical implications for serial testing often required in clinical practice and research design.

Key words:

• aging
• assessment/diagnosis
• cognition
• geriatric
• memory
• test construction
• tests

Notes

Note. The reliable change index is 3 (80% CI) or 4 (95% CI) items; see text for details. FOME = Fuld Object-Memory Evaluation; ICC = intraclass correlation coefficient.

*p < .001.

Notes. Convergent validity is evaluated by comparison of the FOME with the RAVLT (memory) and by comparison of the FOME with the CFT categories (semantic fluency). Divergent validity is evaluated by comparison of the FOME with the NAART. Variability in sample sizes reflects missing data due to attrition of participants over time and/or occasional missing data due to administration or data entry anomalies. The largest sample available at each time point and for each test was used (pairwise vs. listwise deletion) so as to maximize power and representativeness.

†p < .05. ‡p < .01. *p < .001.

Note. The data reported here are for the maximum sample available for each test and time point. FOME = Fuld Object-Memory Evaluation; RAVLT = Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test; CFT = category fluency task. Average education: ≤80 years old = 13.3 years; >80 years old = 14.1 years. T1 = original form (I) at baseline, T2 = existing alternate form (II) 1 month later, and T3 = new alternate form (III) 3 months after T2.