Jongstra S, et al. - Whether additionally using the Visual Association Test (VAT) improves the predictive value of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score for development of dementia, was investigated in analyses based on data from 2,690 primary care patients aged 70 to 78 years who participated in the Prevention of Dementia by Intensive Vascular Care (preDIVA) trial. For data analysis, logistic regression was used. For the detection of patients at elevated risk for developing dementia, a substantial incremental value of administering the VAT in patients with a small decline on the MMSE over a 2-year period was demonstrated. In the discrimination of older adults who need further cognitive examination from those in whom a watchful waiting policy is justified, the possible utility of this simple test was suggested.