What does "repeat these 3 words back to me" test?

Non-professional here so take it with a grain of salt, but this is what the neurologist told me.

My example is my Mom. With the test she forgot the 3 words, couldn't recall anything. However with hints she easily remembered all three. This told something about the process of memory retrieval. The neurologist told me that because she could remember with hints, it was less likely to be Alzheimers. And in fact she ended up being diagnosed with dementia caused by Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. Her memory is awful, but she still has very good understanding.

It test's an individual's short term memory.

This is just a preliminary exam. (The social worker should not be giving clues, she doesn't know how to do the exam correctly.) At this point there should be a more through exam starting with the entire mini mental status exam MME. A neurophychologist can be consulted for a more comprehensive exam which consists of an interview not just a series of questions. This person has the training to really evaluate what is going on. By the way, a person can do poorly on the MME if they are depressed or have attention deficit disorder. Hearing problems also interfere with performance. Just for fun, I will say that the MME was given to a relative in 2009 and I still cannot FORGET the three words: penny apple table! It's so memorable because, while I knew there was a problem, I was shocked at how badly she did. Her clock drawing was a mess. That day, I saw a difficult future laid out before us.

that is and/or should only be part of a test, not the end-all. I remember my mom being tested and I started to worry about myself since I couldn't answer some of the questions! Tests need to be more encompassing.

I hate that 3 word test. Last year I couldn't remember them, until the tester used clues. I did ask if I could name the 3 words from the previous year test as I had remembered those after the fact :P

Then the test where you need to name words that begin with a certain letter. I could do that in a heart beat EXCEPT when I am sitting in a doctor's office.... [rolling eyes].

Next week I have my annual check up. Not sure how I will answer when asked "who is the current President?".

Memory