ABSTRACT
This chapter is a comprehensive reference manual providing information on the Blessed Information-Memory-Concentration Test (BIMCT), which is an objective, clinician-administered test, designed to measure the extent of cognitive impairment. The 27-item BIMCT samples the domains of information, memory and concentration, although the 12-item information subtest is in reality an orientation test. The BIMCT holds the distinction of being the first brief, standardized cognitive screening test to be developed for people with dementia that is still commonly used in clinical and research practice. It can also boast being validated against the undisputed “gold standard” – postmortem confirmation of dementia. A brief history of the instrument's development is provided, along with a description of item content and administration/scoring procedures. Psychometric properties are reviewed and a critical commentary is provided. Key references are cited and in most cases the actual scale is included, giving the reader easy access to the instrument.
