TOM-32-An extended test for the assessment of olfactory memory.

Background: Olfactory memory testing is a promising way to explore different aspects of smell-related abilities in healthy subjects as well as to diagnose various diseases associated with disorders of this type of memory. Despite the obvious value of olfactory memory assessments, few available methods enable its diagnosis.

New Method: The aim of our study was to create a standardized research tool designed for olfactory memory studies: an extended, 32-item version of an available "Test for Odor Memory".

Results: The study involving 222 subjects revealed satisfactory psychometric qualities of TOM-32, and - as hypothesized - subjects with depression scored significantly lower than healthy participants. We additionally showed that TOM-32 scores was associated with sex, age and olfactory awareness. Women performed significantly better than men, young people tended to have lower false alarm rate than older subjects and olfactory awareness was positively associated with olfactory memory.

Comparison With Existing Method(s): TOM-32 could expand the possibilities of testing olfactory memory. It may offer additional information about cognitive and sensory abilities relative to existing research tools, and the large number of included test items may facilitate repeated and longitudinal testing. Wide range of applied odors increases the possibility to detect subtle differences between, as well as changes within, individuals.

Conclusions: We present an extensive olfactory memory test with satisfactory psychometric qualities - a test that is comprehensive enough to show significant inter- and intra-individual differences, but time-efficient enough to be comfortable in daily research and clinical usage.