As a medical speech therapist working with adults it is important to have cognitive assessments to determine if individuals have a decline in cognition. A cognitive assessment often evaluates memory, attention, visual-spatial skills, and problem solving.
Here are some of the most common cognitive assessments that are free to use at this time of post. Please follow links with discretion and see references at end of post.
Cognitive Assessments
Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS)
Cognitive screener that identifies current cognitive level based on orientation and memory. BIMS is a mandatory screening tool used in skilled nursing facilities.
SLU Mental Status Exam (SLUMS)
The Saint Louis University Mental Status exam is an assessment tool for mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Please see reference website for video training and further information.
Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination
Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination III is a test that looks at attention, orientation, memory, language, visual perceptual and visuospatial skills. It is useful in the detection of cognitive impairment, especially in the detection of Alzheimer’s disease and fronto-temporal dementia.
Brief Cognitive Rating Scale (BCRS)
Brief Cognitive Rating Scale is a subjective measuring tool based on concentration, memory, and attention. This scale is often used with the Global Deterioration Scale for individuals with dementia.
The Global Deterioration Scale (GDS)
The Global Deterioration Scale is a subjective measuring tool for cognitive function. It is primarily used for those suffering from a primary degenerative dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. It is broken down into 7 different stages.
Short Blessed Test (SBT)
Short Blessed Test is a 6-item assessment for cognition. The test evaluates attention, working memory, cognition, executive function, reasoning/problem solving.
The Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale
A functional assessment that asks questions recognize IADL’s the individual may need assistance and treatment on to return to baseline.
References
BIMS: Foundation Group, Foundationgroup.net
SLUMS: Saint Louis University
Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination
Bruno D, Schurmann Vignaga S. Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination III in the diagnosis of dementia: a critical review. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2019 Feb 15;15:441-447. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S151253. PMID: 30858702; PMCID: PMC6387595.
Brief Cognitive Rating Scale
https://www.sralab.org/rehabilitation-measures/brief-cognitive-rating-scale
Global Deterioration Scale
Reisberg, B., Ferris, S.H., de Leon, M.J., and Crook, T. The global deterioration scale for assessment of primary
degenerative dementia. American Journal of Psychiatry, 1982, 139: 1136-1139.
Short Blessed Test
Morris JC, Heyman A, Mohs RC, Hughes JP, van Belle G, Fillenbaum G, Mellits ED, Clark C. (1989). The Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD). Part I. Clinical and neuropsychological assessment of Alzheimer’s disease. Neurology, 39(9):1159-65.
The Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale
Lawton, M.P., & Brody, E.M. (1969). Assessment of older people: Self-maintaining and instrumental activities of daily
living. The Gerontologist, 9(3), 179-186.
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Thanks for Visiting. Hope these assessments help you in your next session!