Description
The Middlesex Elderly Assessment of Mental State (MEAMS) detects gross impairment of specific cognitive skills in elderly people. It allows assessors to differentiate between functional illnesses and organically based cognitive impairments.
The test items are sensitive to the functioning of different areas of the brain, each responsible for a different mental capacity.
The MEAMS is not designed to assess intelligence, but will tell you whether parts of the brain are working inefficiently and consequently whether further investigation is needed.
Unlike many simple screening tests, the MEAMS systematically surveys the major areas of cognitive performance using a comprehensive range of subtests. The test is quick and simple to administer and score. It includes two parallel versions to allow for repeated testing.
The 12 subtests cover the following areas of functioning:
- Orientation
- Memory
- New learning
- Naming
- Comprehension
- Arithmetic
- Visuo-spatial skills
- Perception
- Fluency
- Motor perseveration.
