Performance on a novel odor recognition memory test preferentially associates with specific cognitive measures and psychophysical characteristics

In cognitively intact individuals, the ORMT exhibited preliminary evidence of convergent validity through strong association with a well-established visual recognition memory test and evidence of divergent validity through unrelatedness to distinct cognitive and olfactory constructs. This simple, inexpensive, well-tolerated test represents a method of assessing recognition memory using a sensory domain less prone to interference effects. Since AD biomarkers associate with odor memory measures beyond psychophysical olfaction, ongoing studies in larger populations at-risk for AD will determine the prognostic utility of the ORMT.