[Use of psychopathometric procedures in diagnosis of dementia exemplified by a comparison between the Mini-Mental State and the MWT/KAI (Multiple-Choice Vocabulary/General Intelligence Test Short-Form) test system].

Different definitions of dementia have resulted in various psychopathometric diagnostic instruments. For that reason, the validity of the test or test battery is related to the originating definition of dementia. There are short tests which can be easily handled (e.g., Mini-Mental State or the test battery Multiple-Choice-Vocabulary-Intelligence Test/Short Test for General Intelligence). These tests can be used for the verification of a severe intellectual and mnemonic deterioration or a relative decrease of the mental capacity. For their objectivity, reliability and validity they are suitable for diagnostic routine. However, two aspects should be taken into consideration: Before using psychopathometric tests which aim at objectifying a decrease of mental capacity and indicating the degree of severity, it is necessary to make a differential diagnosis for particularly excluding so-called pseudodementia. It is also a fact that a single test is not sufficient for registering each degree of severity. The Mini-Mental State test can be used for documenting moderate to severe cases of dementia. The test battery Multiple-Choice-Vocabulary-Intelligence Test (MWT)/Short Test for General Intelligence (KAI) is suitable for the diagnosis and follow-up of mild to moderate cases.