set test

set test

 [set] a screening tool for the presence of dementia.

set test

A global (i.e., holistic) test of a patient's ability to make categories. It demonstrates motivation, alertness, concentration, short-term memory, and problem solving. The patient is asked to name 10 items in each of four groups: fruits, animals, colors, and towns or cities. Then the patient is asked to categorize, count, name, and remember the items listed. The test is scored by giving one point for each correctly recalled item. A maximum of 40 points is possible. Scoring less than 15 is associated with dementia; more than 25 indicates absence of dementia; and scores between 15 and 24 require further investigation to distinguish between mental changes and cultural, educational, and social factors.