Testing Older Adults for Signs of Age-Related Cognitive Decline: Clock Drawing Test vs.Mini-Mental State Examination

Mini-mental state examination, a nonspecific measure of global cognitive function, and the clock drawing test, a very concise and specific measure of cognitive function, are among the most widely used screening tests for cognitive dysfunction. The present research aimed to examine the correspondence between MMSE and CDT scores.
A total of 70 older adults (mean(SD) age=69.70(6.41) y) were selected by convenience sampling method from two local health centers from the same civil servant area in Mashhad City, Iran. They completed MMSE and CDT tests. Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman correlation were used for analyzing the data.
Results showed a significant correlation between CDT and MMSE total score. Also the older adults’ performance on MMSE and CDT were significantly related to their level of education and gender, but not age.
The correlation between the MMSE and CDT test scores was high. Although one test cannot be replaced for the other, the CDT is a simple test that can be used for fast initial screening of cognitive performance among the elderly.