The Neuro-Protective Lifestyle

This Two Minute Test Helps Diagnose Dementia

Posted on 22. Apr, 2008 by Kerry Friesen, M.D. in The Memory Bank

If you’re worried that a loved one may be developing Alzheimer’s or another neurodegenerative disorder, this two minute test may be just what the doctor ordered. Administering the test is easy – but I can tell you as a physician and supposedly impartial third party, there is nothing more heart-wrenching than the look of dismay on a son or daughter’s face when an aging parent’s failing memory is finally revealed.

But first a word of caution.

The brevity of the test dictates that questions be cutting and candid. Also, for some, (especially those with mild memory impairment) the simplistic nature of the test questions may be taken as a personal affront. And remember, the answers must be timely and “spot-on” for the test to be properly interpreted.

Here we go.

First find a quiet familiar area without distractions. I always tell my patients before hand that I will be asking a series of questions designed to test their memory. I caution, that they may seem like “simple” questions, but to answer them anyway. If they are not sure about an answer, I encourage them to relax and just do their best.

ORIENTATION TEST

1. What year (month, day, date, time of day) is this?
The answers must be exact. Early memory impairment often reveals itself right here.

WORD REPETITION AND RECALL

2. Repeat after me: apple, table, penny (they must repeat the words clearly and recall all three within three minutes when you prompt them) See question #5.

LANGUAGE AND MEMORY LOSS

3. Name as many different vegetables/animals as you can. Say, “I will tell you when to start and stop”. (Time them for 1 minute, but don’t tell them that – fewer than 10 in one minute is an indication of early memory loss)

ATTENTION AND MEMORY

4. Spell “world” backwards or alternatively ask them to subtract 7 from 100 and then 7 from their answer (93) and so on. Trouble shows up early with this one (the third sequence) if memory impairment is present.

FINAL AND TOTAL RECALL

5. Ask them to recall the list given to them earlier (apple, table penny). Minimum acceptable recall is 2 out of 3 items.

That’s it! Practice on someone else ahead of time. The timing for recall of the list of items is important, as is the one minute limit on listing animal or vegetable names. Record the results and take them to your family member’s physician. He or she can help with proper interpretation of the test results.

Congratulations! You’ve just made a difference.

Tags: Alzheimer's, memory loss, screening test, Two minute test