Abstract
Neuropsychological testing is necessary to assess cognitive functions in individuals who exhibit signs of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. This chapter presents the most commonly used cognitive assessments for MCI and dementia in healthcare and academia, including information about normative data, and cut-off scores. Some of the tests presented are: the mini-mental state examination, trail making tests, montreal cognitive assessment, Alzheimer's disease assessment scale-cognitive, and clock drawing test. In addition, the chapter discusses the benefits of timely diagnosis and limitations in the testing assessments that might affect the quality of life in individuals with cognitive decline due to MCI and dementia diagnosis.
TopBackground
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild neurocognitive disorder, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) (American Psychiatric Association, 2022), refers to cognitive deterioration that does not affect daily activities and independent living (Petersen, 2016). MCI has 12% to 18% prevalence rates worldwide in people 60 years and older (Petersen, 2016). When a family member or an individual notices symptoms of cognitive decline, such as problems with memory, reasoning, task completion, and information processing (Alzheimer’s Association, 2022; Auning et al., 2011), the first step is to visit a General Practitioner (GP) in primary care (Alzheimer’s Society, 2016; National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, 2018; Petersen, 2016). The individual is then evaluated for cognitive impairment using neuropsychological testing procedures. Although cognitive decline is a normal part of ageing, it may or may not be MCI. As a result, thorough testing by experienced neuropsychologists and doctors may reveal evidence in each case.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Cognitive Domains: This refers to the brain’s cognitive processes such as language, memory, attention and executive functions etc.
Neuropsychological Testing: This refers to screening and diagnostic assessment procedures and include cognitive functions.
Dementia: This is a term that refers to severe and progressive cognitive impairment that leads to dependent living and serious issues with communicating one's needs, due to brain cell damage.
Normative Data: This is information about specific characteristics in a specific population.
Mild Cognitive Impairment: This is a decline in cognitive processes due to ageing or damage to brain cells.
Psychometrics: This concerns the creation of neuropsychological tool measurements based on psychological constructs.
Health Economics: This is the field of economics that focuses on identifying where the healthcare resources and funding are allocated in healthcare systems.
Cognitive Deficits: This refers to neuropsychological brain impairment revealed during screening procedures in healthcare systems.