Semantic verbal fluency in elderly Mexican adults: reference values

Introduction: The semantic verbal fluency test (SVF) is sensitive to detecting cognitive decline. It is fast and easy to use in any cultural context; therefore, it is included in most of the neuropsychological assessment protocols. Objective: To estimate normative values for the SVF test (animals), in an elderly population aged 65 years and over. Materials and methods: 1233 subjects who were healthy, cognitively preserved, residents of two areas (rural and urban) of Mexico were assessed. A neurological and neuropsychological exploration battery was applied, including SVF. Results: The age average was 73 + 6 and schooling was 4.0 + 3.9 years, with 59% women. The average of the words generated in the SVF test was 14 + 5, and a correlation of 0.16 of these scores with age, education, and gender was found (P