Simple Memory Test Can Detect Likelihood Of Cognitive Decline Years Later

In older adults without thinking and memory problems, a simple test called the Stages of Objective Memory Impairment (SOMI) predicted the person’s risk of developing cognitive impairment up to seven years later, based on data from 969 people participating in the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center (ADRC). The SOMI system provides an approach to identifying subtle cognitive impairment using measures of memory retrieval (free recall) and memory storage (total recall), from the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT).

The participants were followed for up to 10 years. Each took the SOMI at baseline and again at annual follow . . .