Stratified norms for the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test

The purpose of this study is to investigate the value of stratified normative data for the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT). The RBMT has a demonstrated capacity to predict everyday memory problems and is recognised as a useful and ecologically relevant clinical tool. As the measurement of rate of change will often be the principal objective in neuropsychological rehabilitation, preferably in comparison to the group or the functional situation aimed at, the availability of stratified norms should enhance the adequate interpretation of test performance. To investigate this, 214 healthy, elderly individuals and 680 patients participated in this multicentre study using a clinical trial approach. Significant differences for test scores were expected for different groups according to age, aetiology, health care services, and some combined variables, for example, coma duration in traumatically brain-injured patients. Group effects in the expected directions were found for RBMT performance according to all stratification variables. Some implications and limitations of these results are described. Because the results clearly show the existence of homogeneous subgroups, taking stratified norms into account may improve the measurement of rate of change as well as decision making in clinical neuropsychological rehabilitation.