Table 2.
Cognition assessment tools
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Triage tool | |
| Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) [47,48] | 26-Item structured informant questionnaire |
| The final score is based on the ratio of total scores (26–130 points) over the total number of completed items (1–5). It is available in multiple language translations (https://nceph.anu.edu.au/research/tools-resources/informant-questionnaire-cognitive-decline-elderly). | |
| Mini-Cog [49] | Includes 3-item recall and clock-drawing (visuospatial) |
| Rapid Cognitive Screen [45] | Includes the following three items from the Veterans Affairs SLUMS examination: i) recall of five words (testing recall), ii) a clock-drawing test (testing visuospatial function), and iii) the ability to remember a story and convert the fact (testing insight and executive function) |
| Abbreviated Mental Test Score [50] | 10-Item assessment. The test is easy to administer in the ambulatory care setting. |
| Multidomain screening tool | |
| Mini-Mental State Examination [39,51] | 30-Point assessment |
| The test evaluates attention and orientation, registration, recall, memory, calculation, language, and ability to draw a complex polygon. | |
| Montreal Cognitive Assessment [39,46] | 30-Point assessment |
| The test evaluates short-term memory, visuospatial ability, executive function, attention, concentration and working memory, language, and orientation. It is available in multiple language translations (https://www.mocatest.org/about/). | |
| Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) Examination [47,52] | 30-Point assessment |
| The test evaluates attention, immediate recall and orientation, delayed recall with interference, numeric calculation and registration, memory, digit span and visuospatial and executive function. A training video and the assessment tool are available from https://www.slu.edu/medicine/internal-medicine/geriatric-medicine/aging-successfully/assessment-tools/mental-status-exam.php. | |
| Multidomain formal assessment | |
| Neuropsychological battery | Often conducted by psychologist within an acute setting |
| The test takes > 60 min and is useful for the diagnosis of dementia and/or amnestic mild cognitive impairment. |