BDSI (Brief Dementia Screening Indicator)

The BDSI (Brief Dementia Screening Indicator) was developed to help primary care doctors decide whether or not to screen an older patient for dementia. It uses a point score that includes older age, <12 years of education, being underweight, having a history of diabetes or stroke, needing assistance with money or medications, and current depression.

Brief Dementia Screening Indicator (BDSI)

If your patient is aged 80 years or older, or you suspect cognitive impairment based on your observations or concerns of the patient, family or others, proceed with cognitive screening. Otherwise, answer the questions below to help decide whether or not the patient should be screened.  

Points

1. How old is your patient? ___ years

If aged 65 to 79, assign 1 point for each year after age 65. For example, age 65 years receives 0 points. Age 72 receives 7 points. 

 
2. Does your patient have fewer than 12 years of education?

No 

(0)  

Yes 

(9)

 
3. Is your patient underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2)?

No 

(0)  

Yes 

(8)

 
4. Does your patient have a history of type 2 diabetes?

No 

(0)  

Yes 

(3)

 
5. Has your patient ever had a stroke?

No 

(0)  

Yes 

(6)

 
6. Does your patient need help from others to manage money or medications?

No 

(0)  

Yes 

(10)

 
7. Does your patient currently take antidepressants or report depressive symptoms?

No 

(0)  

Yes 

(6)

 
Total point score: If >=22, your patient should be screened for cognitive impairment.