ABSTRACT
Abbreviated Mental Test The Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) has achieved its widest use in Great Britain and Europe but is seldom used in North America. This 10-item mental test was developed by Hodkinson (1972) and in turn was based on the instrument developed by Blessed et al (1968). In a multi-center study of mental disorders in elderly hospital inpatients under the auspices of the Royal College of Physicians, London, the original instrument consisted of 26 items. However, it was determined that the test could be reduced to 10 items and still maintain its discriminating functions (Appendices 6.1 and 6.2). The optimal cut-off for ‘significant’ cognitive impairment was considered to be 7/8, as this maximizes sensitivity and specificity.
