Dement Neurocogn Disord.  2025 Apr;24(2):126-134. 10.12779/dnd.2025.24.2.126.

Cognitive Impairment Screening Test in Korea as a Screening Tool for Dementia: The Correlation Study of Subtest Scores With Korean Version of the Mini Mental State Examination 2nd Edition

• Kim M
• Heo D
• Kim S
• Lee Y
• Kim YS
• Sung W
• Kim HJ

• KMID: 2567951
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12779/dnd.2025.24.2.126

Abstract

Background and Purpose
The Cognitive Impairment Screening Test in Korea (CIST-K) was designed to detect cognitive decline. Developed independently and widely used in Korea, it is yet to be validated with other screening tests. This study aimed to introduce normative data to the CIST-K and assess its clinical usefulness through correlation analysis with the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination, 2nd edition (K-MMSE-2).
Methods
We enrolled 85 participants from a tertiary university hospital in Korea, including patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease by experienced neurologists. Both the CIST-K and K-MMSE-2 were administered to assess the cognitive function of the participants, with scores from each subtest of the neuropsychological tests compared.
Results
Multivariate correlation analysis, which was adjusted for age, sex, and education level, revealed a significant correlation between the two tests in orientation, memory, and attention. However, no significant correlation was found between the two tests in visuospatial and language functions.
Conclusions
In conclusion, this study demonstrates that some subtests in the CIST-K align with corresponding scores on the K-MMSE-2. However, caution is advised when interpreting visuospatial and language test scores from the CIST-K. Further validity studies are necessary to enhance the sensitivity of each subtest.

Keyword

Cognitive Impairment Screening Test in Korea; Cognitive Assessment Screening Instrument; Korean Version of the Mini Mental State Examination 2nd Edition