[An abstraction score as a brief diagnostic method for the detection of beginning intellectual impairment].

The inability to abstract as an important part of the axial syndrome "Hirnleistungsschwäche" (impairment of intellectual functioning) has been measured by a score system. The score consists of 4 groups of simple questions, the answers of which are given points and added to a total score. A total score of 24.2 +/- 2.4 was obtained constantly in a control group. A preliminary study with patients with cerebro-vascular disease showed a statistically significant reduction in their total score. The clinical usefulness of this score and possible limitations of its use are being discussed.