The Mini-ACE is a medically recognised cognitive test for dementia patients. Find out more about the test and how it works…
What is Mini-ACE?
The term stands for Mini-Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination and is a medically recognised and accepted cognitive screening test.
It is a shortened version of the ACE III, which is a widely adopted and validated tool currently used in memory clinics and dementia research around the world.
The Mini-ACE assesses five cognitive domains:
- Attention
- Memory
- Verbal fluency
- Language
- Visuospatial abilities.
On average, the test takes around five to 10 minutes to complete and has a maximum score of 30. Higher scores are an indication of better cognitive functioning.
What is the purpose of Mini-ACE?
Cognitive screening might be necessary for a number of reasons, including:
- To identify dementia
- To detect early cognitive decline, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
- To differentiate between types of dementia, MCI, depression etc
- To monitor disease progression.
No individual screening method should be used in isolation, as there isn’t a type of screening that does everything.
Mini-ACE is just one part of the process of determining a diagnosis. Formal cognitive assessment should be undertaken alongside full history, collateral history, mental state and physical examination, medication review, laboratory investigations and brain scans.
What are the limitations of Mini-ACE?
All types of screening have limitations as tests only cover selected areas of cognition. Other limitations include:
- An element of cultural bias
- Age can affect scores
- Education affects scores
- Test conditions, e.g. noisy environments, time of day, state of health, mood, test administration.
Call Memory Clinix on 0330 124 1970 to arrange a consultation with one of our registered clinicians, which will include a FREE Mini-ACE cognitive test (worth £100).
Alternatively, you can visit the Memory Clinix website.
How do I arrange one for my mum in a nursing home
Hi Donna – Thank you for getting in touch. Please contact our Memory Assessment Team at: MAS@psychiatry-uk.com. They will be able to assist you further.