Development of a new episodic memory assessment tool (NEM): Preliminary data and clinical perspectives

The present study aimed to test the discriminating power, reliability, and validity of a new episodic memory assessment tool (NEM). NEM was designed to be more ecological than current tests of episodic memory, based on incidental encoding and a deepened assessment of recall. The encoded material is a short video involving a choice procedure to encourage participant immersion. The delayed recall phase is guided by a semi-directive interview. Preliminary data were collected from 199 cognitively unimpaired participants aged 18 to 91, as well as from 35 older adults with cognitive impairment (18 patients with mild cognitive impairment and 17 patients with Alzheimer's disease). The results show that NEM exhibits good internal consistency and inter-rater agreement. NEM performance is sensitive to the effects of age and can discriminate between pathological and normal ageing. NEM offers an alternative to existing tools for a more ecological assessment of episodic memory, enabling better investigation of the formation of episodic memories in everyday life.