6CIT — 6-Item Cognitive Impairment Test
Brief cognitive screening test for dementia in primary care. Score 0–28; score ≥8 suggests significant cognitive impairment. Quick to administer (~3 minutes).
Score interpretation
6CIT <8. Normal cognitive function.
→ No further cognitive assessment required unless clinically indicated.
Score 8–9. Borderline — further assessment warranted.
→ Repeat in 6 months or refer for full cognitive assessment (MMSE/MoCA). Exclude reversible causes.
6CIT ≥10. Significant cognitive impairment. Sensitivity ~78%, Specificity ~100% for dementia.
→ Refer to memory clinic. Full cognitive assessment. Investigate reversible causes. Advance care planning.
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
- 6-Item Cognitive Impairment Test (6CIT) · 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
- Obeticholic Acid · FXR Agonist (Primary Biliary Cholangitis)
- 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.