The "Test Your Memory" test performs better than the MMSE in a population without known cognitive dysfunction

1. Introduction
Brief cognitive tests are increasingly implemented in both clinical and research settings. They are not only used for early recognition of cognitive deficits and dementia [1], but also for measuring differences in cognitive functioning between groups, for assessment of treatment effects and for the detection of cognitive decline over time. For these purposes such an instrument should not only discriminate between dementia and normal cognitive functioning, but should also be able to measure more subtle variations in cognitive functioning.

The most widely used brief cognitive screening test is the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) [2]. A recent addition to the available instruments is the Test Your Memory (TYM) test [3]. This test is self-administered by patients, takes about five minutes to complete, and intends to measure a broad range of cognitive domains [3]. In a memory clinic setting, the TYM showed good diagnostic value compared with the MMSE [4] and [5]. Therefore, the TYM is a potentially interesting instrument to use, particularly in settings where little time is available for the assessment of cognitive functioning. One of those settings could be the practice of a general practitioner. The range of subtle cognitive decrements in a primary care population, however, is different from patients at the memory clinic, with more people performing in the range of “normal” cognitive functioning. The present study aimed to examine the relation of the performance on the TYM and the MMSE with a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment in a population sample including people with modest cognitive decrements.