Evaluation of a neuropsychological screen in an incarcerated population

The Brief Neuropsychological Cognitive Examination (BNCE) is a screening device designed to rapidly assess neuropsychological functioning. The availability of an effective and efficient screen for neuropsychological and/or cognitive disorders is an important concern within various settings such as correctional facilities, where there are likely to be large numbers of individuals in need of evaluation. In the current study the utility of the BNCE in detecting cognitive impairments among a clinical sample of incarcerated individuals was evaluated by comparing performance on this instrument to performance on measures of general cognitive functioning. Results indicate that the BNCE demonstrates some utility in its ability to determine those in need of further evaluation of cognitive functioning.