How to do a quick memory screen (Mini-Cog)
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
The Mini-Cog takes about 3 minutes and helps find patients who need a full memory check. It is not a diagnosis on its own.
Step by step
Get ready
Make sure the patient can hear and see, has glasses on, and is in a quiet place. [1]
Say three words
Say three unrelated words and ask the patient to repeat them and remember them. [1]
Clock drawing
Ask the patient to draw a clock with all the numbers and set the hands to ten past eleven. [1]
Ask for recall
Ask the patient to say the three words again. [1]
Score it
One point per word recalled (0 to 3), and 2 points for a normal clock. Total is 0 to 5. [1]
Act on the result
A score below 3 suggests a need for further testing. Share the result kindly. [2]
Common errors
- Testing without the patient's glasses or hearing aids.
- Giving hints for the words.
- Calling a low score a diagnosis.
Mini-Cog scoring [1]
| Part | Points | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Word recall | 0 to 3 | 1 point per word |
| Clock drawing | 0 or 2 | 2 if normal |
| Total | 0 to 5 | Below 3 needs more testing |
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
- NCSBN 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan
- AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit (Teach-Back)
- CDC STEADI (falls in older adults)
Facts and steps follow CDC STEADI (falls in older adults); NCSBN 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan. VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.