Introducing SAMS: A Simple Method for Assessing Memory Function

Published on November 22, 2022

Imagine having a special tool that can help you keep track of your memory function and detect early signs of dementia. Well, scientists have developed just that! It’s called the Self Assessment Memory Scale (SAMS), and it’s a simple method for evaluating memory recall impairment. Think of it like a fitness tracker for your brain! To assess your memory, you’ll be asked to recall 8 pictures and 16 words. Based on your performance, the SAMS index is calculated by adding up the ratio of correct responses to both tests. In a study with 85 participants, including individuals with normal cognitive function and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s disease (AD), researchers found a significant correlation between the SAMS index and a standard memory test score. This means that the SAMS index can accurately reflect changes in memory function. Excitingly, scientists are now working on a digital tool to make self-administered evaluations even easier! If you’re interested in learning more about SAMS and its potential implications, check out the full article.

We have developed a new method for easy self-assessment of changes in memory recall impairment, which can be used during the very early stages of dementia. An 8-picture recall and a 16-word regression were assessed, respectively, and the index was calculated by adding up the ratio of correct responses to both tests. A total of 85 subjects including 12 MCI, 8 AD, and 65 older persons with normal cognitive function were evaluated, and the correlation with the WMS-R Logical Memory II score was examined. The results showed that there was a statistically significant correlation between the 8-picture recall (R = 0.872, p < 0.0001) and the index (R = 0.857, p < 0.0001), respectively, with the Logical Memory score. We have named this index as Self Assessment Memory Scale (SAMS), and are now developing a digital tool to enable easy and self-administered evaluation of recall.

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