As your loved ones age, it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of cognitive decline or dementia. Early detection can help with proper treatment and care to ensure your grandmother maintains a good quality of life.

In this article, we’ll cover the six-question test to screen your grandmother for dementia.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect cognitive functioning such as thinking, memory, and communication.

It’s common for older adults to experience some memory loss, but if everyday activities like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation become challenging for them, it may be an indication of dementia.

The 6-Question Test

The six-question test is a quick way to screen for dementia and can be performed in less than five minutes.

It’s important to note that this is not a definitive diagnosis, and if you have any concerns, it’s best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

Question 1: What is Today’s Date?

Ask your grandmother to state the current date. This question is meant to test her short-term memory and awareness of the present. If she repeats the date back correctly, you can move on to the next question.

Question 2: What is Your Current Location?

Ask your grandmother where she is currently. This question checks her orientation and abilities to comprehend space. If she answers correctly, she passed this question.

Question 3: Who is the Current President?

Ask your grandmother who is the current president of the country. This question checks her cognitive abilities and political knowledge. If she answers correctly, she passed this question.

Question 4: Count Backward from 10 to 1

Ask your grandmother to count backward from 10 to 1 out loud. This question tests her memory and ability to perform a relatively simple task. She should complete the task at a pace similar to counting forward.

Question 5: Name Items in a Category

Ask your grandmother to name things in a specific category, such as fruits or colors. This question tests her memory and language abilities. She should be able to name at least three items in the category given.

Question 6: Recall the Previous Date Given

Ask your grandmother to recall the date you told her earlier. This question checks her memory capability.

Interpreting the Results

Each question has a score of 0 or 1, with a possible total of 6 points. If your grandmother scores 5-6 points, she has a low risk of dementia. If she scores 3-4 points, it’s recommended to seek further evaluation from a healthcare provider.

If she scores 2 or fewer points, it’s likely that she is showing some signs of dementia and requires professional care.

Conclusion

The six-question test can help identify potential cognitive decline in your grandmother and assess her risk of dementia. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this test is not a definitive diagnosis.

Early detection is crucial, so make sure to keep an eye out for any changes in behavior, memory, or communication and consult with a healthcare provider if necessary.