A 45-year-old woman is at the clinic for a mental status assessment. Which describes the expecting findings on the Four Unrelated Words Test?

A) Invents four unrelated words within 5 minutes
B) Invents four unrelated words within 30 seconds
C) Recalls four unrelated words after a 30-minute delay
D) Recalls four unrelated words after a 60-minute delay

The Four Unrelated Words Test tests the person's ability to lay down new memories. It is a highly sensitive and valid memory test. It requires more effort than the recall of personal or historic events. To the person say, "I am going to say four words. I want you to remember them. In a few minutes I will ask you to recall them." After 5 minutes, ask for the four words. The normal response for people under 60 years is an accurate three- or four-word recall after a 5-, 10-, and 30-minute delay.