Improving the Measurement of Cognitive Ability in Geriatric Patients

Abstract

Background/Aims: No single tool is available in geriatric clinical settings to quantitatively measure global cognitive ability at different stages ranging from normal functioning to severe impairment. We developed an adaptive test to measure cognitive ability in geriatric populations (Geriatric Rapid Adaptive Cognitive Estimate, GRACE); however, the test failed to discriminate between high-functioning individuals. This study aimed to estimate the extent to which adding more difficult items to the GRACE would improve measurement precision in the upper range of cognitive ability. Methods: The original data used to develop the GRACE was merged with newly collected data of patients who presented at local geriatric clinics. The Rasch analysis was used to estimate the difficulty level of the newly added items and evaluate whether the psychometric properties of the GRACE were improved. Results: One newly added item (Sequencing 5) had a higher difficulty level than all of the previous items in the GRACE. The rest of the new items were located in the high difficulty range. Conclusion: The psychometric properties of our adaptive screening tool were improved, and we were able to distinguish between individuals who had higher levels of cognitive functioning.

The Efficacy of Cognitive Training for Elderly Chinese Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment

“…Over the past few decades, the identification of the factors predicting cognitive decline has become increasingly important in the field of geriatrics [15] to facilitate targeted interventions. Researchers anticipate that the detection of cognitive decline and delivery of interventions to at-risk individuals at this earliest stage may prove more effective in preserving cognitive function [15]. However, the existing reviews and previous meta-analyses have reported varying findings concerning the benefits of cognitive training.…”

Cognitive function and its associated factors among patients with cancer pain: a multicentre cross-sectional study in China

“…This may be due to the increasing recognition of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as a clinical condition within medical and geriatric care settings. Identifying predictors of cognitive decline is pivotal in geriatrics to devise appropriate interventions 35. Early detection and intervention for cognitive decline in the elderly might be more beneficial for preserving cognitive health 35…”

“…Identifying predictors of cognitive decline is pivotal in geriatrics to devise appropriate interventions. 35 Early detection and intervention for cognitive decline in the elderly might be more beneficial for preserving cognitive health. 35 …”

“… 35 Early detection and intervention for cognitive decline in the elderly might be more beneficial for preserving cognitive health. 35 …”

Developing and validating a nomogram for cognitive impairment in the older people based on the NHANES

“…Previous researchers have found associations among cognitive health, level of education ( Yuan et al, 2018 ), and physical activity ( Brown et al, 2021 ). Considering that cognitive impairment may be the prodrome of dementia, early identification and intervention may help slow down the process of cognitive decline ( Lebedeva et al, 2015 ). Thus, developing a cognitive impairment prediction model to help the older people identify their own risk of developing cognitive impairment not only would lighten the patients’ burden but also improve their quality of life.…”