[Continuous pattern recognition in the assessment of memory disorders in dementia]

A simple and short method for assessing visual short term memory is presented, based on continuous picture recognition, which is not explicitly dependent on input or output language abilities. The material was gathered from Kimura's Recurring Figures Test (RFT) and Erzigkeit's SKT. Two of three parallel series which are characterized by different levels of "nameability" and familiarity are apt to distinguish between demented patients and patients without memory problems. Objectivity is assured by a simle scoring system which allows rapid transformation into d'-values according to signal detection theory. It is expected that by this procedure not only screening for memory problems in the demented will be facilitated, but also the impact of language disorders will be minimized.