Language bias: Tools like the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) are highly variable from one subject to another, as they introduce language and cultural bias.Lack of ecological validity: Traditional cognitive function assessment tools are not ecologically valid, meaning the design of the evaluation does not match and align with neurocognitive states representative of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).Administration challenges: A healthcare professional is required to administer and interpret the results of traditional assessments, introducing the risk of bias or human-to-human variability as well as prolonging diagnostic timelines.Limitations and challenges include the following: Traditional cognitive function assessment tools have a multitude of limitations that may be contributing factors to the inadequate cognitive screening of older adults. Limitations of Traditional Cognitive Function Assessment Tools Early detection means early intervention and treatment, which ultimately leads to better health outcomes.Īn immense amount of research has expanded our understanding of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson's disease, providing a better understanding of disease signatures, yet providers are still left with tools that are outdated, narrow, and produce highly variable results. There is an overwhelming need to refine cognitive function assessment tools to better support physicians in their efforts to detect cognitive and functional impairment before the clinical onset of neurological diseases. The Need to Refine Cognitive Function Assessment Tools Only half of all seniors are being assessed for cognitive impairment, and only one in seven seniors are receiving regular brief cognitive assessments.īelow we detail the need to refine cognitive function assessment tools, the limitations of traditional tools, and the shift towards multimodal assessments. The limitations of existing cognitive and functional assessments have led to inadequate cognitive screening in older adults. The prevention and treatment of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s, depends heavily on early detection, but historically, there has been a lack of proper diagnostic tools. Without reliable, accessible, and cost-efficient cognitive function assessment tools to provide early diagnosis and treatments to slow, stop, or prevent Alzheimer’s, the projected cost from Alzheimer’s alone is projected to reach $1.1 trillion in 2050. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, in 2021, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia will cost the nation $355 billion, including $239 billion in Medicare and Medicaid payments combined.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |