Review of Cognitive Assessments for Older Adults

Abstract

Occupational therapists who work with older adults commonly assess cognition, including capacities such as memory and attention, to evaluate daily living function. The occupational therapy literature describes cognitive assessments; however, those standardized with older adults are not critically reviewed. The objectives of this review were to identify which standardized cognitive assessments for older adults are documented in the occupational therapy literature, to compare their psychometric properties, and to provide practice recommendations. Thirty-two assessments met the inclusion criteria. They were grouped into three categories, and the evidence regarding their psychometric properties was summarized. The assessments that demonstrated the greatest rigor were, in the “brief screening” category, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Modified Mini Mental Status Exam (3MS); in the “testing” category, the Cognitive Assessment Scale for the Elderly (CASE/PEPCA-2r) and the Cognistat; and in the “activity/participation” category, the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS). Limitations of each assessment are discussed.