Allen Cognitive Levels Identify A Person’s Level of Function

Professionals working with those who have Dementia will often rely on the Allen Cognitive Levels scale to help identify and understand a person's best ability to function, according to the Miles for Memories organization in Battle Creek.

Registered nurse Pat Slayton, from Homecare Transitions in Battle Creek and a Miles for Memories volunteer, articulates those Allen levels in the latest "Miles for Memories Moment", heard Tuesdays at 8:54 a.m. on 95.3 WBCK.

Level 1

Simple reflexes/responses, automatic actions.

Level 2

Ability to overcome gravity, postural actions.

Level 3

Purposeful grasp and release, manual actions.

Level 4

Procedural; Can sequence through familiar activity. Goal directed activity.

Level 5

Can learn and be trained; needs practice. Independent learning activities/mild cognitive impairment.

Level 6

Executive functions. Planned activities, abstract thinking, normal activities.

Slayton said Allen levels are organized into a progression of abilities. That is, a person at Level 3 also has the abilities of Levels 1 and 2.

Click the player below to hear Slayton elaborate on each level.

Upcoming Miles for Memories Events:

Community Update: Kool Center, April 19, 2017 at 6 p.m.

Main Event: September 16, 2017 in downtown Battle Creek.

Hear the Miles for Memories Moment Tuesdays at 8:54 a.m. on 95.3 WBCK.