Assessment of verbal episodic memory by a new memory test with self-initiated items (MAI test)

Abstract

The assessment of episodic memory is a critical aspect of psychometric assessment in elderly people, particularly for the diagnosis of dementia. However, evaluation of episodic memory in these subjects is not easy in subjects with non-native language, different culture, visual impairment or fatigability. To overcome these difficulties, a rapid assessment of episodic memory, the Auto-initiated memory test (MAI test) has been developed. The goal of our research is to validate and standardize this test. To achieve the standards, we included 84 non-demented older participants (74.24±6.9 years). Moreover, we included 171 older participants with cognitive impairment and 33 older participants with Mild cognitive impairment. The results showed that the MAI test (phase 2 of the test) has good psychometric properties in MCI patients (sensitivity=76%, specificity=100%). Thus it appears to be an useful screening tool for detection of pre-dementia in subjects who are not able to pass usual standard tests of episodic memory.