Wechsler Memory Scale

Wechsler Memory Scale
Wechsler Memory Scale
ICD-9-CM	94.02

The Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) is a neuropsychological test designed to measure different memory functions in a person. Anyone ages 16 to 90 is eligible to take this test. The current version is the fourth edition (WMS-IV) which was published in 2009 and which was designed to be used with the WAIS-IV. A person's performance is reported as five Index Scores: Auditory Memory, Visual Memory, Visual Working Memory, Immediate Memory, and Delayed Memory.^[1] The WMS-IV also incorporates an optional cognitive exam (Brief Cognitive Status Exam) that helps to assess global cognitive functioning in people with suspected memory deficits or those who have been diagnosed with a various neural, psychiatric and/or developmental disorders. This may include conditions such as dementias or mild learning difficulties.^[2]

There is clear evidence that the WMS differentiates clinical groups (such as those with dementias or neurological disorders) from those with normal memory functioning and that the primary index scores can distinguish among the memory-impaired clinical groups.^[3]

History

The original WMS was published by The Psychological Corporation (later acquired by Pearson), first in 1945, with revisions in 1987, 1997, and 2009.^[4] In late 2024, Pearson announced that it would be releasing a fifth revision of the scale in 2025.^[5]^[6]

The WMS-IV was normed with the WAIS-IV in the United States. This resulted in a representative normative sample of 1,400 adults (between the ages of 16 and 90) who completed both scales.^[7]

References

^ "Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS)". APA Dictionary of Psychology. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. n.d.
^ "Brief Cognitive Status Exam" (PDF).
^ Hunsley, J., and C. M. Lee. Introduction to clinical psychology: An evidence-based approach. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2010. Print.
^ Chlebowski, Colby (October 30, 2011). Kreutzer, Jeffrey S.; DeLuca, John; Caplan, Bruce (eds.). Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer. pp. 2688–2690. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-79948-3_1163 – via Springer Link.
^ "Wechsler Memory Scale Fifth Edition". Pearson Assessments US. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
^ @PearsonAssessUS (December 17, 2024). "The fifth edition of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS-5) is just around the corner and will be available in 2025. Pre-orders will begin soon" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^ "WMS-IV: Clinical Features of the New Edition" (PDF).

External links

Wechsler Memory Scale – Fourth Edition (WMS-IV) at publisher

[1] "Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS)". APA Dictionary of Psychology. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. n.d.

[2] "Brief Cognitive Status Exam" (PDF).

[3] Hunsley, J., and C. M. Lee. Introduction to clinical psychology: An evidence-based approach. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2010. Print.

[4] Chlebowski, Colby (October 30, 2011). Kreutzer, Jeffrey S.; DeLuca, John; Caplan, Bruce (eds.). Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer. pp. 2688–2690. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-79948-3_1163 – via Springer Link.

[Pearson_2025-5] "Wechsler Memory Scale Fifth Edition". Pearson Assessments US. Retrieved April 28, 2025.

[Pearson_2024-6] @PearsonAssessUS (December 17, 2024). "The fifth edition of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS-5) is just around the corner and will be available in 2025. Pre-orders will begin soon" (Tweet) – via Twitter.

[7] "WMS-IV: Clinical Features of the New Edition" (PDF).

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v t e Neuropsychological tests
Battery	Cognistat Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery Luria–Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery Montreal Cognitive Assessment Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status
Arousal/Attention	Continuous performance task D2 Test of Attention Four boxes test Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test Morningness–eveningness questionnaire Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test Posner cueing task Test of everyday attention Test of Variables of Attention
Sensation/Perception	Bender-Gestalt Test Benton Visual Retention Test Dot cancellation test Judgment of Line Orientation Navon figure Rey–Osterrieth complex figure
Memory	1-2-AX working memory task California Verbal Learning Test Corsi block-tapping test Digit symbol substitution test Doors and People MCI Screen Wechsler Memory Scale
Language	Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination Boston Naming Test Comprehensive aphasia test Controlled Oral Word Association Test Thurstone Word Fluency Test
Motor	Compensatory tracking task Purdue Pegboard Test
Problem-solving	Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System Hayling and Brixton tests Tower of London test Trail Making Test Wisconsin Card Sorting Test
Sleep	Epworth Sleepiness Scale
Specific impairments	British Columbia Postconcussion Symptom Inventory Clinical Dementia Rating Digit Cancellation Test Disability Rating Scale Florida Cognitive Activities Scale Glasgow Coma Scale Glasgow Outcome Scale Pediatric Attention Disorders Diagnostic Screener Rivermead post-concussion symptoms questionnaire
Intelligence	National Adult Reading Test Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Wechsler Test of Adult Reading Raven's Progressive Matrices
Bed-side	Abbreviated mental test score Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition Mini–mental state examination
Social	Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale
Malingering	Test of Memory Malingering

Wechsler Memory Scale

Wechsler Memory Scale

Wechsler Memory Scale

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