Doors and People: An exploration of validity in older people

Abstract

The Doors and People battery was designed to be a sensitive memory assessment battery across a spectrum of memory functioning, including dementia. The validity of the battery was explored in routine clinical practice with older adults with subjective memory complaints. Participants’ standard scores were compared with standard scores on other memory tests. Standard scores on Doors and People recall tests were lower than the same people’s standard scores on comparison recall memory tests. Recognition test scores did not show this effect. Although the results raise doubts about the validity of the Doors and People for assessing memory recall with older adults, the reliability of the results is questionable given the limitations in the methods used. However, it is hoped that this paper will serve to promote discussion and further investigation of neuropsychological assessment measures within services.