Months backward test: A review of its use in clinical studies

Table 3 Suggested grading of performance on the months backward test

Simple grading:

0 = The subject cannot engage meaningfully with testing procedures

1 = The subject engages but cannot complete the test, even with prompting

2 = The subject completes the test, but with prompting and/or errors

3 = The subject completes the test without error within 30 s (under 65 years old) or 60 s (over 65 years old)

Detailed grading (e.g., for research)

0 The subject does not understand that they are being assessed? i.e., lacking basic awareness

1 The subject understands that they are being assessed

2 The subject understands the “rules” of the test (i.e., can grasp/ comprehend the test)

3 The subject engages with testing procedures, e.g., recite months forward (i.e., focused attention)

4 The subject engages in a sustained manner, i.e., sustained attention

5 The subject successfully shifts to backwards testing, i.e., shift attention

6 The subject can reach July

7 The subject can reach January

8 If the subject makes any errors, they recognise this and/or try to correct the errors

9 The subject completes the test without errors

10 Completion of the test takes less than 90 s/60 s/30 s