Unit 5 - Assessing Cognition

Question 1

What triggers an assessment of cognition? (3)

Answer 1

• recognizing that the person is not at their baseline of cognition
• When a person, family member, HCP identifies changes in cognition (often as changes in function)
• HCP often neglect to assess cognition

Question 2

What is a cognitive assessment? (5)

Answer 2

• part of a comprehensive assessment to understand the cause
• specifically an aspect of a mental status exam
• observation and viewing
• standardized assessments
• Screening - identify the need for further assessment

Question 3

What are the components of cognitive assessment? (7)

Answer 3

1. LOC (depends on clinical observation)
   - alert, hyperalert, sleepy
2. Orientation
   - time, place, person
3. Short-term, recent and long-term memory
   - length of time asked to remember something
4. Attention and concentration (associated with executive function)
   - ability to do a task requiring attention
5. Abstract reasoning
   - language. test, etc
6. Concentration
7. Problem solving

Question 4

What are 3 terms describing observable changes in cognition?

Answer 4

• agnosia
• aphasia
• apraxia

Question 4

What is agnosia?

Answer 4

• the inability to recognize common objects, familiar faces, or sounds, despite intact sensory abilities

Question 5

What is aphasia? (2)

Answer 5

• Loss of the ability to use and understand spoken and written language
• expressive and receptive aphasia

Question 6

What is expressive aphasia?

Answer 6

condition where a person may understand speech, but they have difficulty speaking fluently themselves

Question 7

What is receptive aphasia?

Answer 7

when someone is able to speak well and use long sentences, but what they say may not make sense

Question 8

What is apraxia?

Answer 8

• Impaired ability to manipulate objects or perform purposeful acts despite intact sensory abilities

Question 9

Screening tools chart
MMSE, Mini-cog, Cognitive performance scale (CPS)

Answer 9

Question 10

Screening tools chart 2
MoCA
Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
Geriatric Depression Scale
Cornell Scale

Answer 10

Question 11

What should you consider when conducting a cognitive assessment? (4)

Answer 11

1. Reduce distractions
2. Avoid describing the questions as silly or stupid
3. Consider timing and ensure person is alert
4. Therapeutic relationship
   - engagement is person-centered
   - use of communication approaches that indicate attentive listening