The Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS) assesses the possibility of dementia in elderly patients. A doctor can score a person’s level of dementia according to their score: A healthcare professional bases the score on direct observation of the person completing items or tasks. It consists of 11 questions or tasks grouped under seven “cognitive domains.” A person can complete the test within five minutes.Ī person can get a possible score of 30. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is the most common screening test for cognitive impairment such as dementia. Most involve a series of questions, often verbal and on paper, with corresponding scores. Some of these tests are brief, while others are more complex and require a separate appointment with a neuropsychologist. awareness of people, time, and place (orientation).Generally, cognitive tests measure a range of mental abilities such as: These tests identify a person who needs further evaluation and if a full dementia evaluation is necessary. Learn more about the early signs and symptoms of dementia.Ĭognitive tests are one of the measures doctors use to assess people with dementia. Screening may sometimes be a part of an annual wellness visit for Medicare beneficiaries. deterioration of a chronic disease without explanation.forgetting whether a close family member is still alive.becoming disoriented with people’s names and in one’s own home or neighborhood.forgetting information that a person once knew well.forgetting important events and appointments.The Alzheimer’s Association identifies certain early signs and symptoms that can be a cause of concern, including: This may be from a report of the person themselves or a family or loved one, even without the person’s agreement. However, cognitive complaints or memory changes that interfere with a person’s daily function warrant a visit to a healthcare professional. Typical age-related memory loss should not be a cause of concern. Share on Pinterest Benjamin Rondel/Getty Images