Parallel-form reliability of the Wechsler Memory Scale in a geriatric population with suspected dementia

The present study examined parallel-form reliability of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) in a population where such forms are particularly useful, that is, among patients who are suspected of having some type of dementing illness. Comparative analyses were made for total raw scores. Memory Quotient (MQ) scores, and individual subtest scores. Thirty geriatric patients originally referred for neuropsychological testing because of suspected dementia were given both Forms 1 and 2 of the WMS. The results yielded high overall reliability coefficients for MQ and total raw scores. Individual subtest scores also yielded rather high coefficients, and only one subtest (Associate Learning) had a significant mean difference. Apparently, the two forms have sufficient parallel-form reliability to be considered clinically interchangeable. Thus, the WMS may be a useful tool for repeat evaluations of memory functioning in a demented population.