6-CIT (cognitive screen)
6-item cognitive impairment test — NICE NG97 first-line.
What it is for
Cognitive screen. ≥ 8 suggests cognitive impairment.
Use the working calculator
The working 6-CIT (cognitive screen) calculator is on our calculators page. It is free and needs no account. Enter the values and it shows the result with the reading that goes with it.
The calculators are free. The trial opens the protocols and pathways they link to.What you enter
The calculator asks for 6 items.
- 1. What year is it?Options: Correct (0); Incorrect (4)
- 2. What month is it?Options: Correct (0); Incorrect (3)
- 3. About what time is it? (within 1 h)Options: Correct (0); Incorrect (3)
- 4. Count backwards 20–1Options: 0 errors; 1 error; > 1 error
- 5. Say the months in reverseOptions: 0 errors; 1 error; > 1 error
- 6. Repeat the 5-item addressOptions: 0 errors; 1 error; 2 errors; 3 errors; 4 errors; 5 errors
How the result is read
The result is shown as 6-CIT, out of a maximum of 28.
The calculator reads each total as follows. Where a single answer changes the reading (for example sex, age or one extreme value), the working calculator says so.
| Total | Band | What the calculator says |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 7 | Normal | No further action. |
| 8 to 9 | Mild impairment | Repeat & investigate. Bloods (TFTs, B12, folate, U&E, FBC, glucose). Consider memory clinic referral. |
| 10 to 28 | Significant impairment | Refer memory clinic. Exclude reversible causes; consider depression screen. Discuss capacity, driving (DVLA), social support. |
Sources
These are the sources the calculator cites. Check the current version before relying on a threshold.
Related
For qualified clinicians. A score supports a clinical decision and does not make it: check the inputs, read the cited source, and use the tools in your clinical system for patient care where one is provided.