The 6 Item Cognitive Test (6CIT) is a brief screening tool used to assess cognitive impairment, often in older adults. It is designed to quickly evaluate memory, orientation, and attention to help detect conditions like dementia. The test consists of six questions that cover basic cognitive functions such as recalling an address, telling the current year and month, estimating the time, counting backwards, and reciting the months of the year in reverse order. Each question is scored based on the accuracy of the response, with higher scores indicating greater cognitive impairment.
The test typically begins by asking the person to remember a five-part address phrase, for example, “John, Smith, 42, High St, Bedford.” Later, the individual is asked to repeat this phrase to assess short-term memory. Other questions include asking the current year and month to check orientation, estimating the time within an hour, counting backwards from 20 to 1 to test attention and concentration, and reciting the months of the year in reverse to evaluate executive function and mental flexibility.
Scoring ranges from 0 to 28 points, where a score of 0 indicates no cognitive impairment and higher scores suggest increasing levels of cognitive difficulty. The 6CIT is valued for its simplicity and speed, making it practical for use in primary care or community settings to screen for cognitive problems before more detailed assessments are conducted.
This test is part of a broader group of cognitive assessments that help healthcare providers identify cognitive decline early. Unlike longer tests such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the 6CIT is quicker to administer but still provides useful information about a person’s cognitive status. It is especially helpful in settings where time is limited but cognitive screening is necessary.
Sources
https://gpnotebook.com/pages/geriatric-medicine/six-item-cognitive-impairment-test-6cit
https://www.statpearls.com/point-of-care/19681
