Isaacs and Akhtar developed a simple test to rapidly assess the mental functioning of an elderly person. It can be used to monitor functioning over time. The authors were from the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Instructions:
(1) The person is asked to name items from 4 different categories.
(2) The test is presented as a challenge rather than as a threat.
(3) Neither the examiner nor bystanders should help the patient with answers.
(4) The examiner can repeat the instructions as often as needed.
(5) There is no time limit.
(6) This is a verbal test not suitable to deaf or aphasic subjects.
Endpoints - one of the following:
(1) The person is able to name a total of 10 or more items.
(2) The patient is unable to think of any new items.
(3) The patient repeats items, with no new additions.
Categories:
(1) colors
(2) animals
(3) fruits
(4) towns
subscore for each categories =
= MIN(10, number of items mentioned)
total score =
= SUM(points for all 4 categories)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 40
• The higher the score, the better the mental status of the patient.
|
Group of Normal Adults
|
Mean Total Score
|
Standard Deviation (SD)
|
Mean - 2.0 SD
|
|
males 65 – 74 years
|
34.3
|
5.1
|
24
|
|
males >= 75 years
|
27.3
|
7.6
|
12
|
|
females 65 – 74
|
32.4
|
7.7
|
17
|
|
females >= 75 years
|
29.4
|
8.6
|
12
|
where:
• Decimal fractions are seen in the mean scores and standard deviations, but test results are only in whole numbers.
• A score < (mean – (2 * SD)) would be below the normal range (assuming a Gaussian distribution in mental functioning).
Performance:
• The test does not appear to be seriously affected by educational or cultural factors.
• Subjects found the test acceptable.
• The test avoids fatiguing the patient.
• Its performance compared favorably with other measures of mental functioning in the elderly.
