Assessment of Cognitive Functioning Flashcards
(11 cards)
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
