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Rapid review of cognitive screening instruments in MCI: proposal for a process-based approach modification of overlapping tasks in select widely used instruments

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 November 2017

Unai Díaz-Orueta*
Affiliation:
School of Nursing and Human Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
Alberto Blanco-Campal
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry for the Older Person, Co. Louth (Ardee) and Co. Meath (Navan) Memory Clinic Services, Health Service Executive, Ireland
Teresa Burke
Affiliation:
School of Nursing and Human Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Unai Díaz-Orueta, School of Nursing and Human Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Dublin, Ireland. Phone: +353-1-700-8034. Email: unai.diaz-orueta@dcu.ie, undiaz@gmail.com.

Abstract

Background:

A detailed neuropsychological assessment plays an important role in the diagnostic process of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). However, available brief cognitive screening tests for this clinical population are administered and interpreted based mainly, or exclusively, on total achievement scores. This score-based approach can lead to erroneous clinical interpretations unless we also pay attention to the test taking behavior or to the type of errors committed during test performance.

Methods:

The goal of the current study is to perform a rapid review of the literature regarding cognitive screening tools for dementia in primary and secondary care; this will include revisiting previously published systematic reviews on screening tools for dementia, extensive database search, and analysis of individual references cited in selected studies.

Results:

A subset of representative screening tools for dementia was identified that covers as many cognitive functions as possible. How these screening tools overlap with each other (in terms of the cognitive domains being measured and the method used to assess them) was examined and a series of process-based approach (PBA) modifications for these overlapping features was proposed, so that the changes recommended in relation to one particular cognitive task could be extrapolated to other screening tools.

Conclusion:

It is expected that future versions of cognitive screening tests, modified using a PBA, will highlight the benefits of attending to qualitative features of test performance when trying to identify subtle features suggestive of MCI and/or dementia.

Type
Review Article
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2017 

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