[Usefulness of short tests in dementia screening]

As life expectancy increases, and the prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia continues to grow, the number of patients with cognitive complaints seen in primary care or specialized out-patient clinics has increased in the last few years. The assessment of these patients requires time, and a step-by-step organization to optimize medical resources.

This review presents the most important dementia screening tools with Spanish validation. We focus on those that are brief (less than ten minutes) and easy to use in primary care settings. Two groups of tests can be distinguished: brief cognitive tests and functional activities scales. The first can be considered a part of the mental status examination, and the second an organized history taking. Informant questionnaires and the possibility of self-administered cognitive tests are briefly reviewed.

There are no ideal screening tests. The election of the most appropriate will depend on the physiciańs time and knowledge of each test. It is advisable to be familiar with a reduced number of tests, and be aware of their strengths and limitations. Finally, we suggest personal recommendations for the most useful tests in each clinical setting.