The subject is now allowed to resume reading this book.
You, the reader, should now go back and start reading again from the point where you stopped and handed the book over to the tester.
On the list of words test, the maximum score is 12. If you scored in the 8 to 12 range at the initial presentation (immediate recall) and recalled 6 to 12 words correctly fifteen minutes later (delayed recall), you have an excellent memory. Among people with average memory, those in their forties will usually recall 5 to 8 words after the fifteen-minute delay, while people in their sixties to seventies will usually get 4 to 6 words right on delayed recall. The delayed recall score is more important than the immediate recall score. Some people with a good memory don’t pay enough attention to the initial list presentation but later are able to remember the majority of the words that they recited initially.
Interpreting Your Test Results
These memory tests are not foolproof and do not adequately substitute for neuropsychological testing, but they do provide a useful guide to categorize memory loss.
1. NO MEMORY LOSS. If you remembered 3 out of 3 objects on the MMS memory subtest and scored 5 or more on delayed recall on the 12-word list-learning task, you don’t have memory loss. Nonetheless, as you grow older, there is a good chance that your memory will decline, even if it is sound right now. Therefore, I recommend that you read on and learn more about taking proactive action against future memory loss.
2. SUBTLE TO MILD MEMORY LOSS. If you recalled 2 out of 3 objects on the MMS, or if you had a delayed recall score of 3 to 4 on the list-learning task, you probably have subtle to mild memory loss. Note that scoring well on one (but not both) of the two tests still suggests
subtle memory loss.
3. SEVERE MEMORY LOSS. If you remembered none or only 1 out of 3 objects on the MMS subtest, or had a delayed recall score of only 2 or less out of 12 words, you absolutely must go see your doctor, and the Memory Program is not for you. These recommendations also apply to anyone else who takes these tests, for example, one of your parents.
Taken From: The Memory Program How to Prevent Memory Loss
and Enhance Memory Power
