Ask a stupid question... What do you get?

As the title says....

Those who know me will know that over the last few years I have been living with mental health problems.  These are not something that will go away instantly, they will be with me for the rest of my life.

Back in August this year I was finally persuaded that I needed to put in an application for Disability Living Allowance - not only on the grounds of my mental health issues, but also because I have been having mobility problems that have become increasingly worse over time.

Well, today I was visited by an "Approved Healthcare Professional" from Atos Healthcare, the company contracted to the Department for Work and Pensions to carry out a medical examination.  I have previously come across these "approved healthcare professionals" when I have had to have similar assessments for Employment and Support Allowance, and I have to admit that my opinion of them is somewhat jaded.  Those who know me closely will know exactly why.

During the course of the assessment I was asked the following questions, which form part of what is known clinically as the "mini mental state assessment" - which is normally used to assess for dementia and Alzheimers.  As far as I know, I have neither of these.. but do read on.

Question 1: Do you know what day it is?

Answer:  Yes, its Saturday 1st December.

Question 2:  Do you know who the Prime Minister is?

Answer: Yes, but unfortunately it isn't Margaret Thatcher any more.

(At this point I got looked at sideways and an eyebrow rather raised)

Question 3: Can you count backwards from 100 for me in sevens?

Answer: No, I have never been any good at mathematics, I'd need a calculator to do that.

(Eyebrow raised a little more)

Question 4: Can you spell world backwards?

Answer: W - O - R - L - D - B - A - C - K - W - A - R - D - S

Response: No, can you spell the word "World" starting from the end and working backwards.

My response I don't see why I'd need to and I don't have fecking Alzheimers, you know.

Then the pen started twitching over the box on the form and I could swear I saw the words "Possible Tourettes" written down...

Like I said, Ask a stupid question, what do you get?