A new performance test of adaptive cognitive functioning: The Medication Management (MM) test

The Medication Management (MM) Test is a new technique for measuring high‐level adaptive functioning in early dementia. Scoring is based on direct observation of the subject's performance on a structured task, simulating calculations and manipulations involved in the self‐administration of medications. The equipment is lightweight, small and portable. Procedures are brief and readily administered with little training. It is congruent with a general health inquiry and not threatening to the subject's self‐image. The sensitivies and specificities with respect to criterion diagnosis of dementia are as good as five widely used brief cognitive screens, and hold up well in early cases. The scores are not biased by gender, culture or setting; and are less biased by age and education than are conventional cognitive screens.