6-Item Cognitive Impairment Test (6CIT)
Brief validated screening tool for cognitive impairment. 6 items assessing temporal orientation, counting backwards, and memory. Score 0–28; higher score = worse cognition.
Score interpretation
6CIT ≤ 7: Normal cognitive function. Dementia unlikely.
→ No further cognitive assessment required unless clinically indicated.
6CIT 8–9: Borderline. Possible mild cognitive impairment.
→ Formal cognitive assessment (MMSE, MoCA). Memory clinic referral. Review medications. Blood tests (TFTs, B12, folate, FBC, U&E, CRP, glucose).
6CIT ≥ 10: Significant cognitive impairment. Dementia screen indicated.
→ Memory clinic referral. Full dementia workup (bloods, CT head, formal neuropsychology). Carer assessment. Driving review — inform DVLA. Lasting Power of Attorney discussion.
Interpretation bands for the 6CIT. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Brooke P, Bullock R. Validation of a 6 item cognitive impairment test with a view to primary care usage. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 1999;14(11):936–940.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) · Cognitive Assessment
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) · Cognitive Assessment
- MoCA — Montreal Cognitive Assessment · Cognitive Assessment
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) · Cognitive Assessment
- 6CIT — 6-Item Cognitive Impairment Test · Cognitive Assessment
- Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMT-10) · Cognitive Assessment
- 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
- Urea (13C) · 13C-urea breath test
- Acute Stroke / TIA Assessment · NICE NG128; RCP Stroke Guidelines 2023
- Status Epilepticus (Adults) · NICE CG137; ESEM guidelines; RCP Neurology Guidelines
- Suspected Subarachnoid Haemorrhage · NICE NG228; RCEM 2023; AHA/ASA 2023
- Adult Head Injury · NICE NG232 (2023)
- Bell's Palsy / Facial Nerve Palsy · ENT UK 2017; AAN
- Vertigo Workup · ENT UK; NICE CKS
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.