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Flashcards in Assessment of Cognitive Functioning Deck (11)
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1
Q

What does clinical neuropsychology look at?

A

The applied science investigating the behavioural expression of brain dysfunction

2
Q

How can assessment of cognitive function help plan care?

A
  • 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?
3
Q

What tests are commonly used for screening assessment of cognitively impaired patients?

A
  • 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
4
Q

Which of the screening assessment tests for cognitive impairment is most sensitive / comprehensive?

A
  • ACE-III
    (Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination- III)
  • Includes language, memory, executive functioning, visuospatial / perceptual functions
5
Q

What are some examples of “executive functions” neuropsychologists might test?

A
  • attentional control, cognitive inhibition, inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility
  • Actions like reasoning and problem solving employ several basic executive functions
6
Q

What are some common reasons patients are referred to neuropsychology regarding patient diagnosis?

A
  • Differentiation between organic & psychological conditions
  • Differentiation between types of dementias/disorders
7
Q

What are some common reasons patients are referred to neuropsychology regarding patient prognosis?

A
  • Assessment of patient capacity
  • Advice on support required
  • Predicting likely changes in the neurological disorder
8
Q

What are some common reasons patients are referred to neuropsychology regarding patient treatment?

A
  • Pre & post op assessments
  • Impact of medication on cognition
  • Cognitive rehab potential / planning
  • Care requirements / behavioural management
9
Q

What are three of the major cognitive functions that are assessed primarily?

A
  • Memory (changes / difficulties)
  • Language (understanding / word finding)
  • Processing speed (changes / ability to follow convo)
10
Q

What are some further cognitive functions that may be assessed by the neuropsychologist?

A
  • Attention / concentration
  • Executive functioning
  • Personality
  • Insight (awareness of limitations and impact on cognition)
  • Visual spatial function
11
Q

What modifiable factor is important to ask about in a neuropsychological history as it can effect cognition?

A

Current:
- Infections

  • Substance use
  • Psychiatric issues

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