Short Blessed Test

Question 2

"Now I would like to ask you some questions to check your memory and concentration. Some of them may be easy and some of them may be hard."

Introduction?

"We are going to do some tests that look at your thinking, just answer the questions to the best of your ability".

Question 4 (item 2) Scoring

Acceptable Response: The exact month must be given. A correct numerical answer is acceptable (e.g., 12 for December).

question 3 scoring (item 1)

Acceptable Response: The exact year must be given. An incomplete but correct numerical response is acceptable (e.g., 01 for 2001).

Ending

Great job, thank you

Question 7 (item 5)

If the subject skips a number after 20, an error should be recorded. If the subject starts counting forward during the task or forgets the task, the instructions should be repeated and one error should be recorded. The maximum number of errors is two.

Scoring range

In the original validation sample for the SBT (Katzman et al., 1983), 90% of normal scores 6 points or less. Scores of 7 or higher would indicate a need for further evaluation to rule out a dementing disorder, such as Alzheimer's disease. -0 - 4 Normal Cognition -5 - 9 Questionable Impairment (evaluate for early dementing disorder) -10 or more Impairment Consistent with Dementia (evaluate for dementing disorder)

Question 4 (item 2)

What month is it now?

Question 3 (item 1)

What year is it now?

Question 6 (item 4)

Without looking at your watch or clock, tell me about what time it is?

Scoring interpretation

-A screening test in itself is insufficient to diagnose a dementing disorder. -The SBT is, however, quite sensitive to early cognitive changes associated with Alzheimer's disease. -Scores in the impaired range (see below) indicate a need for further assessment. Scores in the "normal" range suggest that a dementing disorder is unlikely, but a very early disease process cannot be ruled out. -More advanced assessment may be warranted in cases where other objective evidence of impairment exists.

Tips

-Deliver the test exactly as written -Say about 1 item per second -Your call if the client needs memory encoding trials

Question 5 (item 3) Scoring

-It is important for the clinician to carefully read the phrase and give emphasis to each item of the phrase. -There should be a one second delay between individual items. -The trial phrase should be re-administered until the subject is able to repeat the entire phrase without assistance or until a maximum of three attempts. If the subject is unable to learn the phrase after three attempts, a "C" should be recorded. This indicates the subject could not learn the phrase in three tries. -Whether or not the trial phrase is learned, the clinician should instruct "Good, now remember that name and address for a few minutes."

Question 9 (item 6)

-Repeat. The subject should state each item verbatim. The address number must be exact (i.e. "4200"would be considered an error for "42"). For the name of the street (i.e. Market Street), the thoroughfare term is not required to be given (ie. Leaving off "drive" or "street") or to be correct (ie. Substituting "boulevard" or lane") for the item to be scored correct.

Question 8 tips

-ensure that client understands what they are doing for this test

Question 7 (item 5)

Count aloud backwards from 20 to 1?

Disclosing impairment

Excellent job performing the test. During the test, I noticed that you had some difficulty with memory and orientation. This may affect your ability to remember names, address, and other things. To overcome this potential limitation we may work together to develop strategies to work around any memory issues. Also I will discuss these findings with your healthcare team so we can set you up for the best treatment possible.

Question 1

How old are you now?

Question 9

Now can you repeat the name and address I asked you to remember.

Question 8 (item 6)

Now say the months of the year in reverse order. "Start with the last month of the year" (recommended addition)

Question 5 (item 3)

Please repeat this name and address after me John Brown, 42 Market Street, Chicago I am going to give that to you one more time to make sure you got it John Brown, 42 Market Street, Chicago I am going to say it one last time and repeat it after me John Brown, 42 Market Street, Chicago Good, now remember that name and address for a few minutes.

Short Blessed Test*

Short Blessed Test*

Scoring

The final score is a weighted sum of individual error scores. Use the table on the next page to calculate each weighted score and sum for the total.

Question 6 (item 4) Scoring

This is scored as correct if the time given is within plus or minus one hour. If the subject's response is vague (e.g., "almost 1 o'clock), they should be prompted to give a more specific response.

Question 8 (item 6) Scoring

To get the subject started, the examiner may state "Start with the last month of the year. The last month of the year is________________." If the subject cannot recall the last month of the year, the examiner may prompt this test with "December"; however, one error should be recorded. If the subject skips a month, an error should be recorded. If the subject starts saying the months forward upon initiation of the task, the instructions should be repeated and no error recorded. If the subject starts saying the months forward during the task or forgets the task, the instructions should be repeated and one error recorded. The maximum number of errors is two.

Purpose?

cognitive assessment to distinguish between normal subjects and those with mild, moderate, and severe cognitive deficits. Goal is to screen for dimentia by using a memory and orientation assessment Designed to look at -Orientation -Memory -Concentration -Obvious impairments -Screen for forms of dementia (Alzheimers) -Fairly quick assessment