Start by downloading the test forms and instructions:
– Standardized Mini-Cog© Instrument (appropriate for use with most individuals)
– Graphical Mini-Cog©(a pass/fail test for even simpler testing)
– Mini-Cog© in Other Languages
Once you begin the test, complete the Mini-Cog© all at one time. Choose a time when interruptions and distractions are unlikely.
It should only take 3 minutes to give the test, but remember to factor in time to explain the test as well as discuss results and next steps.
Step-by-Step Mini-Cog© Instructions
1. Make sure you have the person’s attention.
- Instruct the person to listen carefully to and remember three unrelated words and then to repeat the words back to you so then you will know they heard the words correctly.
- You may want to say something like, “What we’re going to do next will take some concentration. Ready?”
2. Ask the person to repeat the words to ensure understanding.
- Once you are sure the person is paying attention, say, “I am going to say three words that I want you to remember now and later. The words are banana, sunrise, chair (or the word set you have chosen). Please say them now.”
- Give the person three tries to repeat the words. You may repeat the words to them for each try.
- If they are unable to repeat the words back to you after three tries, go directly to the clock drawing.
3. Ask person to draw a clock.
- Provide the person with page 2 of the Standardized Mini-Cog© Instrument.
- Say all the following phrases in the order indicated below:
- “Please draw a clock in the circle.” It is acceptable to provide a sheet of paper with the circle already drawn for the person, as depicted on the standardized Mini-Cog© (insert hyperlink to the Mini-Cog© Tool page)
- “Put all the numbers in the circle”
- When #2 is completed, say, “Now set the hands to show ten past eleven.”
- If the person has not finished the clock drawing in 3 minutes, discontinue and ask for the word recall items.
4. Ask person to recall the 3 words.
- You will be asking the person to recall the set of 3 words you gave them at the beginning of the test.
- Say, “What were the three words I asked you to remember?”
- Administer this portion of the test even if the person did not accurately repeat the 3 words earlier in #2 above.
Step-by-Step Mini-Cog© Instructions
1. Make sure you have the person’s attention.
- Instruct the person to listen carefully to and remember three unrelated words and then to repeat the words back to you so then you will know they heard the words correctly.
- You may want to say something like, “What we’re going to do next will take some concentration. Ready?”
2. Ask the person to repeat the words to ensure understanding.
- Once you are sure the person is paying attention, say, “I am going to say three words that I want you to remember now and later. The words are banana, sunrise, chair (or the word set you have chosen). Please say them now.”
- Give the person three tries to repeat the words. You may repeat the words to them for each try.
- If they are unable to repeat the words back to you after three tries, go directly to the clock drawing.
3. Ask person to draw a clock.
- Provide the person with page 2 of the Standardized Mini-Cog© Instrument.
- Say all the following phrases in the order indicated below:
- “Please draw a clock in the circle.” It is acceptable to provide a sheet of paper with the circle already drawn for the person, as depicted on the standardized Mini-Cog© (insert hyperlink to the Mini-Cog© Tool page)
- “Put all the numbers in the circle”
- When #2 is completed, say, “Now set the hands to show ten past eleven.”
- If the person has not finished the clock drawing in 3 minutes, discontinue and ask for the word recall items.
4. Ask person to recall the 3 words.
- You will be asking the person to recall the set of 3 words you gave them at the beginning of the test.
- Say, “What were the three words I asked you to remember?”
- Administer this portion of the test even if the person did not accurately repeat the 3 words earlier in #2 above.
Watch videos demonstrating how to give the Mini-Cog© test and outcomes with two patients:
Learn more about the test and follow-up options:
*Reproduced from ACT on Alzheimer’s® developed tools and resources.