LINKThe test involved showing a participant a list of 15 everyday words, such as "moon" and "parent," and going over them several times. A minute or so later, the subject was asked to recall as many of the words as possible.

Many of those who scored poorly - remembering as few as four words - went on to develop Alzheimer's 10 years later.."In many ways, it probably reflects what Alzheimer's disease is," said Tierney, whose study is published this week in the journal Neurology.

In the earlier stages, Alzheimer's primarily affects more immediate memory. Later, other areas of the brain are affected, said Tierney.

"So not only do you have immediate memory, you have long-term memory that's being affected, as well as just the ability to generate words to a category (animals)."