Fast Diagnostic Test for Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
The Mini-Cog is a very simple and quick test carried out by a doctor or clinician. It takes about 3 minutes to administer and is often used in emergency departments to identify people who require further investigation into their clinical presentation.
The test consists of a three item recall and a clock drawing test.
Results of the Mini-Cog
If the 'patient' is unable to recall any of the three words then they are categorized as 'probably demented. If they can recall all three words then they are categorized as 'probably not demented'. People who can recall one or two words are categorized based on their clock drawing test.
Results of The Clock Drawing Test
If the 'patient draws a clock that is in any way abnormal they are considered as 'probably demented'. If the clock is normally constructed then they are considered 'probably not demented'.
The mini-Cog test results only contribute to a diagnosis of dementia. The test cannot be used in isolation in diagnostic tests for Alzheimer's disease.
