Use of the SAWAIS Digit Symbol Test of Incidental Recall

The neuropsychological literature has described a method for extending the standard administration of the WAIS Digit Symbol subtest in order to create a measure of non-verbal short-term recall. This Incidental Recall test, which is a sensitive indicator in the differential diagnosis of dementia, is being used by South African psychologists with the SAWAIS. The SAWAIS Digit Symbol format, however, differs substantially in length from the WAIS-R format on which the method of the Incidental Recall test was originally based. This is a point which psychologists using the test may not realize, and which affects the administration, the amount of practice, and therefore the outcome on the test. Recommendations are made concerning the method of test administration and the use of the norms considering the variation in the SAWAIS Digit Symbol test format.