(HealthDay News) -- Mental status tests are given to determine the state of a person's mental health. The test, for example, can help gauge the mental progression of a physical illness such as Alzheimer's disease.
Here's what may comprise a mental status test, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:
- An examination of physical appearance, including dress and grooming.
- Orientation and awareness -- knowing one's own name, address, and phone, as well as the current date and season.
- Length of attention span, and short-term and long-term memory.
- Tests to determine abilities including problem solving and judgment.
- Ability to identify objects and recall words.
