Measuring episodic memory across the lifespan: NIH Toolbox Picture Sequence Memory Test

Abstract

Episodic memory is one of the most important cognitive domains that involves acquiring, storing and recalling new information. In this article, we describe a new measure developed for the NIH Toolbox, called the Picture Sequence Memory Test (PSMT) that is the first to examine episodic memory across the age range from 3 to 85. We describe the development of the measure and present validation data for ages 20 to 85. The PSMT involves presentation of sequences of pictured objects and activities in a fixed order on a computer screen and simultaneously verbally described, that the participant must remember and then reproduce over three learning trials. The results indicate good test-retest reliability and construct validity. Performance is strongly related to well-established "gold standard" measures of episodic memory and, as expected, much less well correlated with those of a measure of vocabulary. It shows clear decline with aging in parallel with a gold standard summary measure and relates to several other demographic factors and to self-reported general health status. The PSMT appears to be a reliable and valid test of episodic memory for adults, a finding similar to those found for the same measure with children.

Fig. 1

Four-step practice sequence with “Circus” theme: walk a tightrope, swing on the trapeze, jump through the hoop, and drive the funny car. (Used with permission © 2012 National Institutes of Health and Northwestern University)

Fig. 2

Distribution of PSMT and Average Gold Standard Unadjusted Scaled Scores by Age. Symbol marks the mean and lines extend one standard error.