Two brief measures for assessing mental competence in the elderly

Data on a brief mental status schedule (Memory Check) and a behavior rating scale of mental impairment (Functional Behavior Survey) are presented which support the use of these instruments in research and survey work with both community and institutionalized aged. Based on a factorially derived concept of mental competence, the two instruments showed a satisfactory relation to clinical judgment of degree of competence, and also to a composite measure of nine test measures commonly used in assessing mental competence. The sample consisted of 68 community and nursing home residents between the ages of 60 and 80 who ranged from those who were unimpaired to those judged clinically to be grossly mentally impaired.