Abbreviated mental test score
May 12 2014The Abbreviated mental test score (AMTS) was developed in 1972 for assessing cognition [1]. The test takes around five minutes and is widely used, particularly in UK general hospital settings.
Validity has been evaluated in acute geriatric ward inpatients with normal cognition, dementia and delirium. Validation has shown good sensitivity but more limited specificity.
The AMT score lacks validation in primary care and screening populations. GPs may consider the Six Item Cognitive Impairment Test a better alternative for use in Primary Care as it has been validated in that environment.
Access the test online at http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/abbreviated-mental-test-amt
References
- Hodkinson HM; Evaluation of a mental test score for assessment of mental impairment in the elderly. Age Ageing. 1972 Nov;1(4):233-8.
