Is it time to replace the Abbreviated Mental Test Score as a screening tool for dementia?

Abstract

To compare the case-fi nding ability of the Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS) to the mini-COG in elderly hospitalised patients, with the ultimate aim of improving screening for dementia. Methods The AMTS and mini-COG were administered to a cohort of 40 inpatients aged 68-94 (median age 82, mean age 81.1) over a 2-week period. Three doctors administered the tests and one doctor performed all of the scoring. Results Of the 40 patients screened, eight were identifi ed as 'cases' by the AMTS. The mini-COG identifi ed the same eight patients, but went on to detect a further 11 'cases'. All 11 of these additional 'cases' had abnormal clock-draws. The following are examples of clock-draws from two of these 11 patients who had a normal AMTS but an abnormal mini-COG. It is immediately obvious that there is signifi cant visualspatial impairment in both of these patients, and that further diagnostic assessment should be performed.