Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS / AMT-10)
10-item bedside cognitive screen for delirium and dementia in older adults (Hodkinson 1972). Score ≤6/10 suggests cognitive impairment and warrants further assessment (e.g. 4AT, CAM, MoCA). Widely used in UK hospital settings and embedded in NICE delirium pathways.
Score interpretation
→ No screening abnormality. Repeat if clinical change. Combine with collateral history if delirium suspected despite normal AMTS.
→ Repeat with 4AT or MoCA; review medication list (anticholinergics, opioids, benzodiazepines); collateral informant history.
→ Use 4AT or full delirium workup (CAM-ICU if inpatient). Investigate reversible causes — TFTs, B12/folate, MSU, CXR, U&E, glucose, calcium, CT head if focal signs. Refer for memory clinic assessment if persistent.
Interpretation bands for the AMTS. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Tetracosactide · Synthetic ACTH (short Synacthen test)
- Donepezil · Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) — dementia
- Memantine · NMDA receptor antagonist — dementia
- Rivastigmine · Dual AChEI and BuChEI inhibitor — dementia
- Quetiapine (Elderly — Dementia Caution) · Atypical Antipsychotic
- Haloperidol (Delirium) · Typical Antipsychotic (Butyrophenone)
- Falls Assessment in Older Adults · NICE CG161 2013
- Delirium Outside ICU · NICE CG103
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) · BGS / NICE
- Delirium Assessment and Management · NICE CG103 2010
- Frailty Recognition and Management · BGS Frailty Framework / NHS NHSE
- Polypharmacy and Medicines Optimisation · STOPP/START v2 2014 / NICE NG5
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.