The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test: adaptation into Russian and a new digital "RAVLT World".

Abstract

Objective: The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) is a classic test used to assess episodic verbal memory in research and clinical practice. We aimed to adapt the RAVLT materials into Russian, provide performance norms across the adult lifespan for the Russian adaptation, and develop a mobile application for automated RAVLT administration across languages. Method: We created three psycholinguistically matched alternative versions of the RAVLT materials in Russian and incorporated them into a new RAVLT World tablet application. We tested 354 neurologically healthy 21-to-89-year-old Russian speakers, modeled their performance using multivariate multiple regression, and calculated demographically adjusted norms. We also tested the equivalence of performance across the three alternative Russian versions and between the pen-and-paper and digital form. Results: Performance across three alternative versions and between the pen-and-paper and digital form was equivalent, although test-retest reliability measured via intraclass correlation coefficients was limited. Older age, male gender and fewer years of education were associated with lower performance on both raw trial scores (R² = .515) and composite scores (R² = .961). Demographically adjusted norms are now available in a paper form and as part of the RAVLT World application. Conclusions: The new RAVLT adaptation can be used to assess verbal memory in Russian-speaking adults, serving their clinical needs and diversifying research on verbal memory. The equivalent alternative versions can serve for repeated testing in longitudinal designs. The RAVLT World tablet application, with automated administration and scoring, makes the test more accessible to patients and allows to incorporate multiple language versions.