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[Detection of memory impairment using a recognition test for words and faces]
1Stichting Verpleeghuizen Nederland, Psychogeriatrische Dienst, Laren.
Tijdschrift Voor Gerontologie En Geriatrie
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Warrington's Recognition Memory Test (RMT) shows potential for identifying memory deficits in older adults. The non-verbal Recognition Memory for Faces (RMF) test demonstrated higher validity than the verbal Recognition Memory for Words (RMW) test.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuropsychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Memory problems and cognitive deficits are common in the elderly, necessitating accurate diagnostic tools.
- Psychogeriatric day care settings frequently encounter patients with suspected memory impairment.
- The Warrington's Recognition Memory Test (RMT) is a tool used to assess memory function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the Dutch form of the Warrington's Recognition Memory Test (RMT) for detecting memory impairment in elderly patients.
- To compare the diagnostic utility of the verbal (Recognition Memory for Words, RMW) and non-verbal (Recognition Memory for Faces, RMF) components of the RMT.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-two psychogeriatric day care patients with cognitive deficits and 45 mentally normal elderly controls were administered the Dutch RMT.
- Sensitivity and specificity were calculated using different cut-off scores, including those prioritizing 98% specificity and 96% sensitivity.
- Participants were assessed for memory problems and cognitive deficits, with controls rated as free from dementia or psychiatric conditions.
Main Results:
- At 98% specificity, the RMT demonstrated 54% sensitivity for RMW and 73% sensitivity for RMF.
- At 96% sensitivity, RMW yielded 62% specificity, and RMF yielded 71% specificity.
- The Recognition Memory for Faces (RMF) component showed greater validity in detecting memory impairment compared to Recognition Memory for Words (RMW).
Conclusions:
- The non-verbal Recognition Memory for Faces (RMF) test is a more effective tool for identifying memory impairment in the elderly than the verbal RMW test.
- The choice of cut-off scores for the RMT should be guided by the pre-test probability of memory impairment.
- High sensitivity cut-offs are recommended when memory impairment is strongly suspected, while high specificity is crucial for confirming impairments with low clinical suspicion.