Mini-Cog Dementia Screening

A brief 3-minute cognitive screening tool combining a 3-item recall test and clock drawing. Designed for use in primary care and busy clinical settings.

Warnings:
  • Mini-Cog is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument
  • A score of 0-2 suggests cognitive impairment but does not establish type or cause
  • Sensitivity ~57-85%, specificity ~73-85% depending on population and scoring method
  • Performance may vary with education level, though studies show minimal effect
  • The two-step method (Mini-Cog2): 0-1 word recall = impaired regardless of CDT; 2-3 words + normal CDT = not impaired
  • Positive screening should be followed by comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation
  • Does not distinguish between dementia, delirium, MCI, or depression-related cognitive impairment
Note: Standard 3 words: 'apple, table, penny' or 'banana, sunrise, chair'. Clock drawing time typically 11:10 or 10 minutes after 11. Scoring: 3-point method = 1 point for circle, 1 for correct numbers, 1 for hands in correct position (3=normal, <3=abnormal). Alternative binarized CDT = normal/abnormal.
Tell patient 3 unrelated words (e.g., apple, table, penny). Ask them to repeat. Score 1 point per word recalled after delay (typically 1-3 minutes)
Ask patient to draw a clock showing a specific time (e.g., 11:10). Score as normal (circular, correct numbers, hands in correct position) or abnormal

References