Screening test for cognitive decline (depression, 2014, psycho, cancer)
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Keep in mind it is only a screening test and a poor score does NOT necessarily mean that you have a Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer's Disease. Likewise, a good score does not necessarily mean everything is A-ok. A complete neuropsychological evaluation would be needed to make that determination.
Keep in mind it is only a screening test and a poor score does NOT necessarily mean that you have a Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer's Disease. Likewise, a good score does not necessarily mean everything is A-ok. A complete neuropsychological evaluation would be needed to make that determination.
So what's the point of taking the test if it doesn't tell you anything?
So what's the point of taking the test if it doesn't tell you anything?
It could tell you that your cognition sucks...and confirm that you are a bit slower than what is expected for someone your age. The problem, and hence the need to consult with a professional, is whether your poor performance is caused by depression (one of the initial questions) or another disorder that is not a neurodegenerative disease.
There have been quite a few posters who have indicated they are concerned whether they're experiencing "senior moments" or signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment or the early stage of Alzheimer's. Obviously, you're not one of them. And that's o.k.
Take the test form to your primary care provider to get your score?? Pah.
I haven't taken the test yet. Can you not look up the answers? I'll try and get to it this afternoon.
I don't know if it's better than the mini-mental test usually given by the docs, but since you can't self-administer the mini-mental, this is probably the best screening test available outside of a doc's office.
I actually completely see how these test are and should be used. They should be given in a setting where there is a person monitoring but also where there is some suspicion of cognitive decline. The tests as good as they are designed cannot fully tell the story but they are a good starting point in a diagnosis. In our forum here the tests and the idea that they exist are important as many of us are getting along in age. Some of the questions are reasoned and need not have been taught though there are a few questions that I would take exception with.
Dementia is a horrible way to go. My mom had some symptoms of it though she was functioning well. What took my mom (breast cancer) was worse but she never complained. Anyway I can see some of these questions asked of my father who never received an education and he would fail and what would doctor's think. So texdav you have a valid point as well. Just know that any thing administered like this needs to have strict guidelines and even then all results would need to be evaluated long before any decision is made as to any treatment is needed. Dementia is usually a slow process.
I haven't taken the test yet. Can you not look up the answers? I'll try and get to it this afternoon.
I don't know if it's better than the mini-mental test usually given by the docs, but since you can't self-administer the mini-mental, this is probably the best screening test available outside of a doc's office.
Well, you can't really self-administer this one either -- if you want the results. You can TAKE it, but then you have to make an appointment with your doctor to get the results. I like the idea of these kinds of tests, but I don't see the need for having to take it to your doctor to find out how you did. What a waste of the doctor's time if he/she sees that you did well.
ETA: I just looked at the test. It's a very simple test so if you do well I think you would know it and not take it to your doctor. So I guess it makes sense for those who aren't sure how they did to take it to their doctor.
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