memory impairment screen (MIS)

Introduction

4-item test of memory impairment. Tests delay, free & cued recall. Subjects are presented with the names of 4 items, each in a different category, i.e. ball, flag, tree & cat. After a short delay, subjects are asked to repeat the 4 items, in any order (free recall). Category cues are then given to elicit cued recall of items not remembered by free recall. Score ranges from 0 to 8, presumably 2 points for free recall, one point for cued recall.

Time to administer: 4 minutes

In the diagnosis of dementia: (using a cutoff score of 4)

• sensitivity: 87%
• specificity: 96%

More general terms

• mental status examination (MSE)