Assessment of Cognitive Functioning Flashcards
What does clinical neuropsychology look at?
The applied science investigating the behavioural expression of brain dysfunction
How can assessment of cognitive function help plan care?
- Diagnosis: certain diseases present with certain cognitive impairments
- Prognosis: level of cognitive impairment can provide clues as to whether condition of patient will improve
- Treatment: is the patient self sufficient?
What tests are commonly used for screening assessment of cognitively impaired patients?
- MMSE: widely used but not sensitive to mild impairment of focal deficit
- ACE-III: 15 min long, more sensitive and has executive assessment )(multi-component)
- MOCA: takes 10mins, better than MMSE
Which of the screening assessment tests for cognitive impairment is most sensitive / comprehensive?
- ACE-III
(Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination- III) - Includes language, memory, executive functioning, visuospatial / perceptual functions
What are some examples of “executive functions” neuropsychologists might test?
- attentional control, cognitive inhibition, inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility
- Actions like reasoning and problem solving employ several basic executive functions
What are some common reasons patients are referred to neuropsychology regarding patient diagnosis?
- Differentiation between organic & psychological conditions
- Differentiation between types of dementias/disorders
What are some common reasons patients are referred to neuropsychology regarding patient prognosis?
- Assessment of patient capacity
- Advice on support required
- Predicting likely changes in the neurological disorder
What are some common reasons patients are referred to neuropsychology regarding patient treatment?
- Pre & post op assessments
- Impact of medication on cognition
- Cognitive rehab potential / planning
- Care requirements / behavioural management
What are three of the major cognitive functions that are assessed primarily?
- Memory (changes / difficulties)
- Language (understanding / word finding)
- Processing speed (changes / ability to follow convo)
What are some further cognitive functions that may be assessed by the neuropsychologist?
- Attention / concentration
- Executive functioning
- Personality
- Insight (awareness of limitations and impact on cognition)
- Visual spatial function
What modifiable factor is important to ask about in a neuropsychological history as it can effect cognition?
Current:
- Infections
- Substance use
- Psychiatric issues
