

The DSB is an effective tool in identifying patients with major cognitive impairment. A significant association between scores on the DST and the Cantonese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (CMMSE) was found in this study (p < 0.05 for DSF, p = 0.00 for DSB).ĭementia and delirium were prevalent, yet under-recognized, in acute medical geriatric inpatients. Regarding the detection of major cognitive impairment, the ROC curve of DSB showed a sensitivity of 0.77 and specificity of 0.78 at the optimal cutoff of <3. The prior case-note documentation rate was 13.2% for dementia and 2.8% for delirium. The prevalence rates of dementia alone, delirium alone and delirium superimposed on dementia were 21.5%, 9% and 9% respectively. Receiver Operating Characteristics curve (ROC) was used in conjunction with sensitivity and specificity measures to assess the performance of DST. Digit Span Backward assesses the number of digits an individual is able to repeat immediately following their presentation, but in reverse order. Digit Span Forward assesses the number of digits an individual is able to repeat immediately following their presentation, in the exact order they were presented.
#Digit span series#
The DST scores were compared with the psychiatrists' DSM-IV-based diagnoses. an attentional subtest in the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale that assesses the ability of an individual to repeat a series of digits of increasing length. The objectives of this study were to (1) validate the Digit Span Test (DST) in the identification and differentiation of dementia and delirium and (2) determine the prevalence of major cognitive impairment in elderly people in an acute medical unit.ĭuring the study period from January to February 2010, 144 patients aged 75 years or more who had had unplanned medical admissions were assessed by nurses, using the Digit Span Forwards (DSF) and the Digit Span Backwards (DSB) tests. Unfortunately, with today's emphasis on only developing visual abilities we are finding more and more people having difficulty in retaining information due to their lack of auditory processing practice! Auditory processing also has a direct correlation to the symptoms on the ADD/ADHD checklist.There is no valid instrument currently in use at acute-care hospitals in Hong Kong to aid the detection of cognitive impairment.

think conceptually (understanding the big picture and cause and effect).Increasing auditory processing (short term memory) enhances ones’ ability to: The kits will also give you instructions to help increase these skills using Digit Span Decks. These kits will help you know where your family members are on these important skills. We offer a second deck for those that are on one level for an extended period of time and need an alternate deck so that the individual does not memorize the number sequences.įREE OFFER: Auditory and Visual Test Kits for ages 2 and up. The A and B decks are 125 cards each with different sequences of numbers. Instructions are included for both auditory and visual brain games. All cards in the 7s’ deck will have series of 7 random numbers on them. the test showed visual digit spans of 6 so you order 7s.
#Digit span free#
Order the Digit Deck that is one level above the individual’s visual processing as determined by the free test kit i.e. Increasing the individual’s short term auditory and visual memory is the goal. Intense auditory and visual games played twice a day achieve remarkable results in function. These cards are recommended to be used for two-minute auditory and two-minute visual brain games. Digit Span Decks have 125 unique sequences on individual cards.
