The Story Learning and Memory (SLAM) test: Equivalence of three forms and sensitivity to left temporal lobe dysfunction

Remembering meaningful information is an important component of verbal memory. However, findings from existing story memory tests have been mixed in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). We developed a test, the Story Learning and Memory (SLAM) test, in which a story is presented repeatedly until a performance criterion is reached, and verbatim recall is obtained only once, after a delay. In Study 1 we demonstrated a significant learning deficit in patients with left, but not right, TLE, and they were further impaired in retention of the story despite having learned it to the same criterion as subjects with right TLE and healthy subjects. These deficits remained confined to patients with left TLE after surgery. For clinical use we developed the SLAM in three versions in two languages; in studies 2 and 3 we tested and proved their equivalence.

Research Highlights► A new verbal learning test using a story learning paradigm is described. ► Learning is impaired in left but not right temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). ► Retention is impaired in patients with left TLE although they reached a learning criterion. ► Learning and retention deficits remain confined to patients with left TLE after surgery. ► Both learning and retention are affected by left temporal lobe damage.