The circle comes first, then the numbers are written in the correct places, followed by the hands. – Planning and understanding: It takes multiple steps to draw a clock. People with dementia often struggle with this. – Visual memory: Remembering what a clock even looks like. – Verbal understanding: Turning words (“Draw a clock”) into actions. This seems like a basic task, but several types of thinking are tested: The subject is asked to draw a clock showing a specific time, usually “10 past 11.” You can give the person the circle or not. The second part of the Mini-Cog is exactly what it sounds like. It will often be too difficult for someone in the earliest stages of dementia. Asking for these words to be repeated after the distraction of drawing the clock challenges memory. One of the first signs of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is difficulty with short-term memory. The three-word recall is a means of testing short-term memory. After completing the drawing, the test-taker is asked to repeat the three words that were spoken at the beginning of the test. Examples would be “banana, sunrise, chair,” or “daughter, heaven, mountain.” Then the test-taker is asked to draw a clock (see below). The test begins with the administrator reading three unrelated words aloud, in a strong voice to ensure they’re clearly heard. This is done via a three-word recall test and the Clock Drawing Test. The Mini-Cog does this by examining a patient’s ability in two areas. This test is checking for the brain function (or the cognitive impairment) of your loved one. Looking to administer the Mini-Cog Test? Download it here. The Mini-Cog is a simple way to decide whether to bring these issues up with a doctor. Instead, it should be considered as a nudge toward speaking with healthcare professionals about whether an actual, in-depth diagnosis should be sought by someone having issues with memory and/or concentration. The Mini-Cog does not replace a doctor’s diagnosis. The test is easy because it is short (taking about three minutes) and easy to administer at home. It tests cognition, or thinking ability, in a way that has been scientifically demonstrated to help determine if someone might be in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. The Mini-Cog is a tool for seeing whether someone shows signs of dementia. The following is everything you need to know about the Mini-Cog, including where to get it, how it works, and how to administer the test to a loved one. Living the best life you can with dementia begins by identifying it early. The earlier the disease is identified, the more effective these treatments will be. Memory loss, for example, can be slowed down. Alzheimer’s and similar diseases are progressive, meaning there is no cure, but there are pharmaceutical, therapeutic, and alternative treatments that can manage symptoms. – Difficulty planning or solving problemsĮarly interventions for dementia are much more effective. Someone experiencing these symptoms should consider taking the Mini-Cog, or a similar at-home test, to see if further evaluation should be sought out: If you are concerned about your loved one, these are the earliest signs of dementia. The Mini-Cog test is an early diagnostic tool for Alzheimer’s. "Positive Approach" for Emotional Distress.How to Converse with People with Dementia.
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