A pilot study for a practical screening tool for dementia: validation of 5-minute cognitive test in a geriatric population

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to validate the Turkish version of the 5-minute cognitive test (FCT) in a geriatric population.

Materials and method: In total, 61 participants aged ≥65 years with normal cognitive functions, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and early stage dementia were included. The FCT was compared to the standardised Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Qmci-TR (quick mild cognitive impairment) test.

Results: Test reliability for the FCT was strong (Cronbach's α = 0.747). We demonstrated a strong correlation of FCT scores with MMSE and Qmci-TR scores (respectively, r = 0.730, P < 0.001, r = 0.723, P < 0.001). The fact that the scores obtained in the dementia group were significantly lower also showed that the test can be used reliably in the differentiation of MCI and early dementia (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: The FCT is a brief, reliable, and valid cognitive screening test for screening dementia at early stages in a Turkish geriatric population.

Keywords: cognitive screening; dementia; five minute cognitive test; mild cognitive impairment.