Drawing a clock by hand is one of several useful screening tools that can help to detect mild cognitive impairment, dementia, or Alzheimer.
By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room
Editor Note: If you are looking for additional self assessment tests for Alzheimer's visit the following page -- Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's Dementia (5 Best Self Assessment Tests)
They say that doctors often use this test.
This test can help you, or your doctor, differentiate between normal aging and possible dementia.
If you administer the test on your own and find the results either disconcerting or suspicious, schedule an appointment with your personal care physician. Take the copy of the clock test with you to the doctor appointment, and show the test to the doctor.
Insist on a referral to a memory specialist for testing.
Also, please review this article -- Is it really Alzheimer's or something else? -- and take it with you to the doctor appointment for the purpose of discussion.
There are many diseases that can present as dementia or Alzheimer's. Getting the correct diagnosis is difficult under any and all circumstances. You need to be sure all the proper tests are administered.
The Clock Drawing Test
Have the person draw a clock by hand on a large piece of paper.
Draw the face of a clock and put the numbers in the correct positions.
Then draw the hands to indicate 3:40 (time).
Clock Drawing Test Scoring
To score, assign the following points for each part of the drawing:
- 1 point for a closed circle
- 1 point for properly placed numbers
- 1 point for including all twelve numbers
- 1 point for properly placed hands
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Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer's Reading Room
