Question 1

What words should I use for the recall test?

Accepted Answer

The original Mini-Cog uses three unrelated words from a validated item pool. The most common set is 'apple, table, penny.' Alternate sets include 'banana, chair, coin' and 'flower, door, penny.' The words should be semantically unrelated and simple one- to two-syllable words.

Question 2

Can I score the clock drawing test more precisely?

Accepted Answer

The Mini-Cog clock is scored as normal or abnormal — a simple binary. For more detailed clock-drawing evaluation, the CLOX test or the Mendez clock scoring system (0–10) can be used. However, the binary score in Mini-Cog has comparable sensitivity and specificity.

Question 3

Does the Mini-Cog detect mild cognitive impairment?

Accepted Answer

The Mini-Cog was designed primarily for dementia screening and has lower sensitivity for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) — approximately 50–60%. For MCI detection, tools like MoCA or GPCOG with informant interview are preferred.