The Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM): normative data from cognitively intact, cognitively impaired, and elderly patients with dementia

Abstract

This research adds to the psychometric validation of the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) by providing data for samples of elderly patients who are cognitively intact, cognitively impaired (non-dementia), and with dementia. Subjects were 78 individuals referred for evaluation of memory complaints. Significant group differences emerged between the dementia group and the two other groups (normals and cognitively impaired), although the latter two did not differ from each other. One hundred percent of normals and 92.7% of the cognitively impaired group made fewer than five errors (the suggested cut-off) on Trial 2 or the Retention trial of the TOMM, yielding an overall correct classification rate of 94.7%. However, the rate of misclassification for persons with dementia was high whether using a cut-point score of five, eight, or ten errors. This investigation extends the validity and clinical utility of this instrument. Results suggest that the TOMM is an useful index for detecting the malingering of memory deficits, even in patients with cognitive impairment, but only when dementia can be ruled out.