The SLUMS exam requires an individual to draw a clock
The SLUMS includes 11 questions and is scored on a scale of 1-30.[5] The SLUMS exam requires the individual being tested to perform various tasks,[3] including the following:
The SLUMS is scored on a scale of 1-30, with higher scores being associated with greater functional ability, and lower scores associated with greater cognitive impairment.[5] Scoring is dependent on an individual's education level, with higher scores expected for individuals who have received a high school education.[3]
For individuals with a high school education:
A score of 27-30 would be expected for someone with normal cognition
A score of 1-20 would be expected for someone with dementia
For individuals with less than high school education:
A score of 25-30 would be expected for someone with normal cognition
A score of 20-24 would be expected for someone with mild neurocognitive disorder
A score of 1-19 would be expected for someone with dementia
Efficacy
While there is relatively little research on the reliability and validity of the SLUMS exam, available studies suggest that it exhibits high sensitivity (greater than 95%) and specificity (greater than 95%) in differentiating between individuals with normal cognition from those with dementia.[3] However, the SLUMS has been to found to be less effective at differentiating between normal individuals from those with mild cognitive impairment.[4]