Mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

Abstract

Neuropsychological evaluations are commonly performed in older adult populations and are useful for characterizing the nature and extent of cognitive decline, predicting underlying neuropathology and prognosis, and providing recommendations for further diagnostic evaluation or treatment. Additionally, results can be used to educate the patient and family about the disease process and clinical syndromes and help them prepare for any cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes that may occur.When selecting neuropsychological measures, it is important to consider several factors such as sensitivity to detection of early cognitive deficits and longitudinal changes, as well as the applicability to the referral question and unique demographics of the patient. The National Institutes of Aging/NIA-sponsored National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (https://www.naccdata.org) provides Note: An online supplement (https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/ clinical-neuropsychology-fourth-edition) includes several important dementia syndromes and relevant topics not covered here.