THE SET TEST AS A DIAGNOSTIC-TOOL IN ELDERLY OUTPATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED DEMENTIA

The set test was validated in 138 outpatients (mean age 74 years, 65% women) against a global clinical assessment using the DSM-Ill-R criter ia for dementia. The test proved to have low sensitivity even at cutpo ints close to a full score, and 12 of 72 patients diagnosed with demen tia had a full score. We were unable to confirm the hypothesis that th e set test can distinguish between vascular and Alzheimers type of dem entia. Used in its original form, the set test does not seem to be an appropriate diagnostic tool in the setting of a memory clinic.