The Timed Test of Money Counting: a short physical performance test for manual dexterity and cognitive capacity

The competent handling of money is an essential basis for living independently. Seventy-eight consecutively admitted patients to a geriatric hospital underwent the Timed Test of Money Counting (TTMC) which measures patients' ability to open a purse, take out all the money and count it. Further assessment included Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Barthel Index of ADL, Self-maintaining and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), grip strength and Williams' Board Test. The TTMC was reliable (inter-rater and intra-rater) and showed construct and concurrent validity with other measures of physical function. Unlike many other physical performance tests the TTMC is quickly performed and requires no special equipment or training.