Page 33 - The Memory Program How to Prevent Memory Loss and Enhance Memory Power

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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