Discrepancies between IQ and memory scores in alcoholism and aging

Abstract

Abstract Standardized IQ and memory tests were administered to 30 alcoholic men (7 with Korsakoff's syndrome) and 29 nonalcoholic controls between 24 and 74 years of age, in order to evaluate alcohol-related discrepancies between IQ and memory scores (including those attributable to possible premature aging). Severity of amnesia often has been defined operationally as a large discrepancy between IQ scores on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), and scores on memory tests such as the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS). In the context of a normal WAIS Full Scale IQ or Verbal IQ, a low WMS memory quotient (MQ) signals the possibility of anterograde memory disorder. Revised and nonrevised versions of the WAIS and WMS were given to all of the subjects. As expected, the revised versions yielded lower scores than the non-revised versions; these differences were especially prominent in the older subjects (whether or not they had a history of alcoholism) and the Korsakoff patients. Korsakoff patients demonstrated the largest discrepancies between IQ and memory scores, regardless of the tests being used. Results indicated that measures used clinically to reveal amnesia, that is, large differences between IQ scores and memory scores, were effective in any combination (the WAIS or the WAIS-R with the WMS or the WMS-R).