Mental status tests
Alternate Names : Memory, Word comprehension, Orientation, Attention span, Cognitive tests
Normal Values
- Orientation to person, place, and time
- Normal attention span
- Normal judgment
- Normal recent memory
- Normal remote memory
- Normal word comprehension, reading, and writing
What do Abnormal Results Mean?
Each test can identify different possible problems, as described below.
ORIENTATION Typically, orientation to time is first to be lost, followed by orientation to place, then to person. There are many possible causes for disorientation: ATTENTION SPAN People who are unable to complete a thought, or are easily distracted, may have an abnormal attention span. This may have a number of causes, including: RECENT AND REMOTE MEMORY A medical disorder may cause loss of recent memory but keep remote memory intact. Remote memory is lost when damage to the upper part of the brain occurs in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. See also: Memory loss WORD COMPREHENSION, READING, AND WRITING These tests screen for language disorder (aphasia). Some causes of aphasia include: JUDGMENT The ability to decide the right course of action is important to survival in many situations. The following are some causes of impaired judgment:
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