Question
What does the Serial 7’s task assess?
Answer
There is a "Serial 7’s" task where the patient is asked to count backwards from 100, subtracting 7 each time. That is on the Mini-mental and also on the Addenbrooke's as well. That would be more of a working memory measure. It is really cognitive demanding, because you have to be storing information and constantly process it. You have to store what you have just said such as 100, then do some the manipulation to subtract 7, get to 93, hold that 93 while you are subtracting the 7, to get to 86. That would be more of a working memory challenging type of task. I believe on the Mini-mental, if the person has any type of math phobia, you have them spell the word “world” backwards. I will say that with adults with aphasia, I never have them do that type of task because it has been incredibly frustrating with the patients I have tried that with. I make some adjustments. There are other working memory tests that I think are a little less frustrating for the patient that they can do and gives me a better picture.
Dr. Heather Harris Wright is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders at East Carolina University. Her research focus includes assessment and treatment of persons with aphasia and identifying the influence of cognitive function on language processing in aphasia and across the adult lifespan. Dr. Wright is also an Associate Editor for the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, and the North American Editor for Aphasiology.
