Normative data for the oral version of the symbol digit modalities test in the French-Quebec population aged 50 years and over.

Abstract

Introduction: The oral version of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT-O) is a prominent measure of information processing speed that can help overcome motor difficulties associated with some conditions. According to previous studies, performance on this test is influenced by various factors such as age, biological sex, educational level, and cultural background. Objective: This study aimed to establish normative data for the SDMT-O in middle-aged and older French-Quebec people. Method: The normative sample comprised 239 healthy individuals aged 50 to 90 years old, exclusively from Quebec, Canada. Statistical analyses examined the associations between age, biological sex, educational level, and the number of correct responses on the SDMT-O. Results: SDMT-O performance was significantly associated with age and educational level, but not with sex. Normative data are presented using regression equations. Conclusions: These norms will be pivotal for evaluating and identifying information processing speed impairments in the middle-aged and older French-Quebec examinees.