Which components are used in the Mini-Cog as a brief cognitive screen?

• A. Word recall and a clock-drawing task
• B. Serial seven subtraction and letter recall
• C. Naming three objects and repeating a sentence
• D. Copying a geometric figure and drawing a cube

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to screen for cognitive impairment quickly by combining memory testing with a visuospatial/executive task. The Mini-Cog uses a brief memory component—asking you to remember three unrelated words and later recall them—and a clock-drawing task that assesses visuospatial ability and planning/executive function. This pairing is effective because it covers two different cognitive domains in a short time, increasing reliability for detecting dementia compared to memory testing alone.

Other common bedside tasks in different screens (like serial subtraction with letter recall, or naming objects with repeating a sentence, or copying a figure) are not the components of the Mini-Cog. The Mini-Cog specifically relies on word recall plus clock drawing.