Test-Retest Reliability and Random Measurement Error of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire in Older Adults With Subjective Memory Complaints

Abstract

To examine the psychometric properties of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ) in older adults with subjective memory complaints. The three MMQ subscale (Satisfaction, Ability, and Strategy) was administered twice, with a 3-month interval. The test-retest reliability was examined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The random measurement error was examined by calculating the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC₉₅). The test-retest reliabilities of the three MMQ subscales were generally acceptable. The SEM of the three MMQ subscales was higher than the acceptable criterion of 10%. Despite the influence of random measurement error, the change scores of the three MMQ subscales may represent true changes if they are larger than the MDC₉₅ of 13.2 (Satisfaction), 18.4 (Ability), and 16.9 (Strategy). The MMQ appears to be a reliable measure for use in research settings, but may not yet be suitable for clinical use.

Keywords: Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire; psychometric properties; random measurement error; subjective memory complaints; test-retest reliability.

Figure 1.

Bland–Altman plots showing the means (X axis) of the consecutive assessments against the differences (Y axis) between consecutive assessments of 3 MMQ subscales. Note. The solid central horizontal line shows the mean differences in consecutive assessments. The two dashed horizontal lines represent 95% limits of agreement (mean difference ± 1.96 × SD_difference).