The 10 word memory test is a simple assessment used to measure a person’s verbal memory and ability to recall information after a delay. It is often used by doctors, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals as part of a cognitive assessment or mental status exam.
How does the 10 word memory test work?
The 10 word memory test involves an examiner reading a list of 10 unrelated words to the person being tested. The person is asked to listen carefully and try to remember the words. Immediately after hearing the list, the person is asked to recall as many of the words as possible, in any order.
After a delay of about 5-15 minutes, during which the examiner engages the person in other cognitive tests or distracting conversation, the person is again asked to recall as many words from the original list as possible. This measures how many of the words they were able to remember after the short delay.
What does the 10 word memory test measure?
The 10 word memory test measures a person’s immediate and delayed verbal recall, which are important aspects of verbal learning and memory. Specifically, it assesses:
- Attention – ability to focus when given the list of words
- Registration and encoding – taking in information and storing it in memory
- Immediate recall – retrieving words from short-term/working memory
- Delayed recall – retrieving words from long-term memory after a delay
- Forgetting rate – amount of information lost over time
Overall, performance on this test gives insight into a person’s verbal memory, learning, and recall capacities.
How is the 10 word memory test scored?
The 10 word memory test is scored by counting the number of words correctly recalled at each stage – immediately and after the delay. The two raw scores are then compared to the maximum score of 10 for each trial. There are a few ways the test can be scored:
Number of words recalled
The examiner simply counts and records the number of words correctly recalled immediately and after the delay. For example, a score of 8/10 immediately and 6/10 after the delay.
Percentage retained
The percent of words retained after the delay is calculated. For example, if 8/10 words are recalled immediately, and 6/10 recalled after the delay, the percentage retained is 6/8 = 75%. This gives insight into how much information was forgotten.
Loss after delay
The number of words lost after the delay is calculated. In the example above, the loss was 2 words (8 minus 6).
Total recall score
The total number of words recalled across both trials can be calculated. In the example, the total was 8 + 6 = 14 words.
What is a normal score for the 10 word memory test?
There are some general guidelines for average performance on the 10 word memory test based on age:
| Age | Immediate Recall | Delayed Recall |
|---|---|---|
| 18-39 years | 7-10 words | 6-10 words |
| 40-59 years | 6-9 words | 5-9 words |
| 60-69 years | 5-8 words | 4-7 words |
| 70-79 years | 4-7 words | 3-6 words |
However, it’s important to interpret an individual’s score relative to their own baseline cognitive function, education level, and cultural/language background. Significant declines from previous testing can be clinically meaningful even if still in the normal range.
Why is the 10 word memory test used?
The 10 word memory test is a simple, quick, and easy to administer tool used for various purposes in medical, research, and clinical settings.
Screening for cognitive impairment
It can help screen for issues with memory and learning that may indicate conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or mild cognitive impairment.
Detecting cognitive decline
Serial administration at intervals can detect deterioration in recall ability over time that signals progression of Alzheimer’s or related dementia.
Assessing effects of treatment
Changes in scores before and after treatment provides insight into how well interventions for memory problems are working.
Researching cognitive changes
The test is useful in research studies examining verbal memory and factors that influence it like normal aging, neurological disease, drug therapies, etc.
Pre-surgical cognitive evaluation
It may be included as part of a pre-operative mental status exam before undergoing anesthesia to identify any issues with memory or thinking.
Advantages of the 10 word memory test
Some benefits of the 10 word memory test are:
- Quick and easy to give and score
- Uses common vocabulary that’s easy to understand
- Assesses clinically relevant aspects of verbal memory
- Effective for a wide range of ages and abilities
- Free and open source so can be used widely
- Repeatable allowing monitoring over time
- Available in many languages
Limitations of the 10 word memory test
Some limitations include:
- Learning effects if given repeatedly in a short time
- Multiple versions needed to reduce familiarity
- Assesses only verbal memory, not visual/spatial memory
- Can be influenced by patient’s mood, attention, motivation
- May not detect subtle early memory problems
- Not suitable as a stand-alone diagnostic tool
How to administer the 10 word memory test
To properly administer the 10 word memory test:
- Select 10 unrelated words from a premade list. Use a different version for each test if repeating.
- Speak words clearly at about one per second. Avoid mouthing words or providing other cues.
- Instruct the person to listen carefully and repeat back any words they can recall in any order.
- Record number of words correctly recalled. Do not re-read the word list.
- Engage in distracting activity or conversation for 5-15 minutes.
- Ask the person to again recall as many of the words from the original list as possible.
- Record number of words correctly recalled after the delay.
- Calculate delayed recall percentage and loss after delay if desired.
Use a consistent procedure each time test is given. Provide encouragement but no cues or assistance.
Conclusion
The 10 word memory test is a simple, effective tool for assessing verbal learning and memory. It involves reading a list of 10 unrelated words and having a person recall as many as possible immediately and after a short delay. Performance provides insight into registration, encoding, and retrieval processes, and can help screen for cognitive decline related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. When administered properly at regular intervals, it can be a useful component of cognitive assessments in healthcare and research settings.