Abstract

The modality effect refers to the differences in memory performance depending on whether stimuli are presented visually or auditorily. In young adults, auditory superiority is common, though differences often disappear with short lists. Research on older adults and cognitively impaired groups remains limited. This study examined the effects of stimulus modality (visual/auditory) and list length (5/10 words) on verbal working memory in three groups-cognitively healthy older adults, those with amnestic multi-domain mild cognitive impairment (amMCI), and those with Alzheimer’s disease dementia (DAT)-each with 30 participants. A 3×2×2 mixed ANOVA revealed significant main effects and group × list length and modality × list length interactions. Healthy older adults recalled more words in the 10-word lists, whereas amMCI and DAT groups showed no list-length effects. All groups performed better under auditory than visual presentation, with greater auditory superiority for longer lists. Findings underscore the need to consider modality and list length in clinical assessments of memory function.