Normative data for the Pyramids and Palm Trees Test in literate Persian adults.

Background: Semantic test of Pyramids and Palm Trees (PPT) is the most common test for assessing memory. Since this test is related to language and culture, normative data in different populations are needed. Methods: This study was conducted on 270 literate men and women Persian adults aged from 20 to 69 years. Subjects must select a picture or word between two pictures or words that was closer to target. Results: The word score was significantly positively correlated with the picture score (r = 0.508, P < 0.001). Word scores (median = 50, Q1 -Q3 = 49-51) were higher than the picture scores (median = 50, Q1 -Q3 = 48-51), although the difference was small (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Demographic variables such as age, gender, and level of education were not significant predictors for both versions in Persian population.