[An exploratory study on the use of cognitive and neuropsychological assessessments in centres for the elderly in Galicia]

Abstract

Introduction: Cognitive assessment is a fundamental tool in centres for the elderly when planning individualized care and intervention. The Galician Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (Sociedade Galega of Xerontoloxía and Xeriatría) has formed a Working Group on Cognitive and Neuropsychological Assessment, with the aim of studying the tools used and to identify the main challenges in this area.

Material and methods: An exploratory study was conducted via an online questionnaire with Sociedade Galega of Xerontoloxía and Xeriatría members between December 2013 and January 2014. It was completed by 49 professionals, of whom 26 were professionals in psychology and 10 medical doctors.

Results: Consensus was found on the use of the MMSE as a screening tool, as well as the Global Deterioration Scale for dementia. There is a wide variation in the choice of general batteries of tests for the assessment of dementia (CAMCOG-R, ADAS-Cog, abbreviated Barcelona Test), and of the use of specific tests and a severe impairment battery.

Conclusions: The risk of bias in the sector is suggested, with a high percentage of general practitioners using a few tools, and a small percentage using a large number of specific tools. The need for a consensus is stressed in order to facilitate assessment, objectify training needs, maximize the relationship between assessment and cognitive intervention, and provide tools to assess change.

Keywords: Baterías de evaluación del deterioro severo; Cognitive assessment; Escalas globales de demencia; Evaluación cognitiva; Evaluación neuropsicológica; Global dementia scales; Neuropsychological assessment; Screening tests; Severe impairment batteries; Tests de cribado.