A 6-item Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test has been validated as a
measure of cognitive impairment. This test predicted the scores on a
validated 26-item mental status questionnaire of two patient groups in a
skilled nursing home, patients in a health-related facility, and in a
senior citizens' center. There was a positive correlation between scores on
the 6-item test and plaque counts obtained from the cerebral cortex of 38
subjects at autopsy. This test, which is easily administered by a
nonphysician, has been shown to discriminate among mild, moderate, and
severe cognitive deficits.Abstract Teaser