The Mini-Cog was developed by Dr. Soo Borson, a physician who specializes in memory disorders.
Administration
Administration of the Mini-Cog is very simple. First, the person is asked to repeat three unrelated words, which tests immediate recall. Then, he is asked to do the clock drawing test. The clock drawing test assesses multiple factors, but its ability to screen for executive functioning is especially helpful in identifying dementia. Finally, the person is asked to remember the three words, testing their memory after the distracting task of drawing the clock.
Scoring
Scoring of the Mini-Cog is simple as well. A person is scored as likely to have dementia if they recall none of the three words, or if they recall one or two of the three words and draw an abnormal clock. Similarly, a person is scored as unlikely to have dementia if they recall all three words or if they recall one or two of the three words but draw a normal clock.
The official numerical scoring directions are as follows:
One point is given for each of the three words that are correctly recalled after performing the clock drawing test. A correctly drawn clock is worth two points.
Out of five points total, a score of zero, one or two indicates a concern in cognitive functioning. If the test administrators desire to increase the test’s sensitivity for spotting dementia, it’s recommended that the cutoff may be increased to include a score of three as also potentially indicative of a concern.
Usefulness
Unlike the MMSE, the diagnostic value of the Mini-Cog is not influenced by education level or language abilities. Sensitivity and specificity of the Mini-Cog, key properties of every screening test, are excellent. Sensitivity refers to the test’s accuracy in identifying individuals with the disease (i.e., persons with Alzheimer’s test as positive). Specificity refers to the test’s effectiveness in identifying people who do not have the disease (i.e., persons without the disease test as negative).
Overall Advantages and Disadvantages
The Mini-Cog’s advantages are many: It is fast, simple, and superior even to the MMSE in predicting dementia. It has also been shown to be effective at identifying mild cognitive impairment, a condition that sometimes, but not always, progresses to Alzheimer’s disease.
There are also different versions of the Mini-Cog which allows you to choose from several sets of three words to test recall. This can prevent repeat tests from being affected by prior administration of the test.
Unlike the MMSE which involves a fee each time the test is used, the Mini-Cog is a free test that can be used without permission for testing of individuals.
A disadvantage is that the scoring of the clock drawing test is vulnerable to different interpretations. Additionally, the Mini-Cog can’t be used with persons who have visual impairments or difficulty holding or using the pen or pencil.
Finally, while the Mini-Cog is fairly effective at identifying dementia, it doesn’t provide a way to measure progression or extent of dementia.
A Word From Verywell
The Mini-Cog test can be used as a short and simple screening test for dementia. While its results do not create a definitive diagnosis, it can be helpful in identifying a potential problem.
Remember that there are many reasons for memory loss, and getting a complete assessment by a physician can help identify potentially reversible causes of cognitive problems, as well as allow for earlier treatment if dementia is present.
