PGIMS

Experiment 02 – PGIMS

Abstract –

The PGI Memory Scale, developed by the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and
Research (PGIMER) in India, is a culturally tailored assessment tool for evaluating memory
and cognitive function in the Indian population. It serves as a valuable resource for clinicians
and researchers in the field of neuropsychology, facilitating accurate memory assessment
within this specific cultural context. The PGI Memory Scale was developed by Dr. R.C.
Bhatia and Dr. U.S. Mishra at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
(PGIMER) in Chandigarh, India. It was first published in 1991.

Introduction –

The PGIMS Memory Scale, also known as the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education
and Research Memory Scale, is a cognitive assessment tool that plays a crucial role in
evaluating and understanding memory function. Developed by Dr. R.C. Bhatia and Dr. U.S.
Mishra at the prestigious PGIMER in Chandigarh, India, this scale has contributed
significantly to the field of neuropsychology, particularly within the Indian context.

Memory is a fundamental cognitive function, encompasses the ability to encode, store, and
retrieve information. It plays a pivotal role in our daily lives, from recalling names and faces
to learning new skills or remembering past experiences. Memory can be categorized into
several types, each serving specific functions:

Types of memory –

1. Sensory Memory: The initial stage where sensory information is briefly held, providing a
continuous stream of perception.

2. Short-Term Memory: Also known as working memory, it temporarily holds and

manipulates information, typically for a few seconds to a minute.

3. Long-Term Memory: The storage system for retaining information over an extended
period, ranging from minutes to a lifetime. Long-term memory can further be divided into
explicit (conscious) and implicit (unconscious) memory.

The PGIMS Memory Scale assists in assessing these memory types, helping clinicians
pinpoint cognitive deficits and track changes in memory function over time. It evaluates
immediate memory, recent memory, and remote memory, providing a comprehensive
overview of an individual's memory capabilities.

Memory, like other cognitive functions, can be improved and maintained through various
strategies:
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1. Healthy Lifestyle: Adequate sleep, a balanced diet, regular physical exercise, and stress
management are essential for optimal cognitive function, including memory.

2. Mental Stimulation: Engage in mentally stimulating activities such as puzzles,

crosswords, reading, or learning new skills to keep your brain active and adaptive.

3. Social Interaction: Maintaining social connections and engaging in conversations can

stimulate memory and cognitive abilities.

4. Memory Techniques : Employ memory aids like mnemonic devices, visualization, and
chunking to enhance memory retention.

5. Organized Information: Organize information using calendars, to-do lists, or digital tools
to help remember tasks and events.

6. Mindfulness and Meditation : These practices can improve focus and concentration,
indirectly benefiting memory.

The PGIMS Memory Scale, with its roots in rigorous scientific research, aids not only in
identifying memory-related issues but also in developing tailored interventions and tracking
progress. Memory, a dynamic and adaptable cognitive function, can be nurtured and
optimized through a holistic approach to mental and physical well-being, promoting a fuller
and more enriched life.

Aim –

To assess subjects level of Memory using PGI- Memory Scale

Materials Required –

1) Stationary
2) PGI-MS Questionnaire
3) Stopwatch
4) Manual
5) Scoring Key
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Subject Details –

1) Name:
2) Age:
3) Gender:
4) Qualification:

Description of the test –

The PGI Memory Scale (PGIMS) is a memory assessment tool used in the field of
psychology and neuropsychology to evaluate an individual's memory function. It is
specifically designed to assess memory-related impairments and cognitive deficits. The scale
helps clinicians and researchers measure various aspects of memory, such as short-term
memory, long-term memory, and working memory. . The PGI Memory Scale was developed
by Dr. R.C. Bhatia and Dr. U.S. Mishra, it was first published in 1991.

The PGI Memory Scale typically includes a series of tasks, questions, or exercises that
evaluate a person's ability to:

This test consists of 10 subtests that help to understand different areas of memoery such as :

1. Recall Information: This may involve remembering words, numbers, or objects

presented to the individual.

2. Retention of Information: Assessing how well a person can retain information

over a short or long period.

3. Recognition: Evaluating a person's ability to recognize previously presented

information or stimuli.

4. Spatial Memory: Assessing a person's memory for spatial information, such as the
location of objects in a given environment.

5. Visual Memory: Evaluating a person's ability to remember visual details or

patterns.

6. Verbal Memory: Assessing memory for spoken or written words and sentences.

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7. Working Memory: Measuring the capacity to hold and manipulate information

temporarily.

The PGI Memory Scale is often used in clinical settings to aid in the diagnosis and
evaluation of memory disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other
conditions that affect memory and cognition. It can also be used in research studies to
assess memory performance and track changes over time. All of these are then
evaluated according to the manual and scored.

Procedure of the test –

The questionnaire consists of 10 subtests and each subtest is unique that evaluates different
aspects of memory such as:

i) Recall Information
ii) Retention of Information
iii) Recognition
iv) Spatial Memory
v) Visual Memory
vi) Verbal Memory4
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vii) Working Memory

These are guided by each subtests instructions that are already mentioned in the questionnaire
this is then administered on the subject according to the requirement of each subtest and then
it is evaluated as per the manual.

Instructions –

The following test is used to evaluate individual’s memory and this scale is evaluated on
different dimensions such as Recall Information, Retention of Information, Recognition,
Spatial Memory, Visual Memory, Verbal Memory, and Working Memory. These are
evaluated with 10 subtests within this test and each test is dedicated to evaluate the above
mentioned. These are needed to be followed as per the instructions that are mentioned above
each subtest and then these are supposed to be evaluated according to the manual.

Precautions –

1. Do not disclose the questionnaire beforehand.

2. Do not allow subject from skipping any question.
3. Make them sit in a well Illuminated and noise free environment.
4. Ensure the confidentiality of the responses given.
5. Follow instructions as per the subtest requirement.
6. Eveqcaluate all subtests as per the manual.
7. Keep track of time in all subtests that are needed.
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Results –

Discussion – The purpose of this test is to evaluate post graduate students memory. Using
this scale we could determine that how these post graduate students were able to perform well
in attempting the PGI-MS scale. As my subjects responses were evaluated as per the manual
we could see that she scored a total of 100 which is the max. She was able to retain
information and able to attempt all perfectly and scoring a perfect 100 though out the time
during administration.

Her scores for first sub test that is Remote memory was accurate as she scored 6 which is
highest and was able to answer to questions related to that without any difficulty. For her
second sub test which is recent memory she scored 5 and was able to attain information from
her past easily, in her third sub test which is Mental Balance she was able to perform all the
required tasks perfectly and scored the highest that is 9 with in the stipulated time.

For her fourth and fifth test that is Attention and Concentration, and delayed recall she was
able to score the highest in that as well that is 15 and 10 respectively.

For her immediate memory that is her sixth sub test she scored 12 and in verbal retention for
similar pairs and for verbal attention for dissimilar pairs she scored highest that is 5 and 15
respectively. For the last two sub tests which are visual retention and recognition she scored
13 and 10 respectively as these are the highest points that one can achieve in this test.
Showing a remarkable attention and memory span.

Introspective report –

Conclusion – Subjects memory levels are high. Providing accurate responses to the scale.

Application –

1. Clinical Assessment

2. Research Studies

3. Educational Settings

4. Forensic and Legal Context

5. Occupational Assessment

6. Sports and Athletics

7. Early Detection