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Updated: Oct 11, 2025
A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
Evaluation of Available Cognitive Tools Used to Measure Mild Cognitive Decline: A Scoping Review
Chian Thong Chun1, Kirsty Seward1,2, Amanda Patterson1,2
1School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
Abstract:
Cognitive decline is a broad syndrome ranging from non-pathological/age-associated cognitive decline to pathological dementia. Mild cognitive impairment MCI) is defined as the stage of cognition that falls between normal ageing and dementia. Studies have found that early lifestyle interventions for MCI may delay its pathological progression. Hence, this review aims to determine the most efficient cognitive tools to discriminate mild cognitive decline in its early stages. After a systematic search of five online databases, a total of 52 different cognitive tools were identified. The performance of each tool was assessed by its psychometric properties, administration time and delivery method. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA, n = 15), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE, n = 14) and the Clock Drawing Test (CDT, n = 4) were most frequently cited in the literature. The preferable tools with all-round performance are the Six-item Cognitive Impairment Test (6CIT), MoCA (with the cut-offs of ≤24/22/19/15.5), MMSE (with the cut-off of ≤26) and the Hong Kong Brief Cognitive Test (HKBC). In addition, SAGE is recommended for a self-completed survey setting whilst a 4-point CDT is quick and easy to be added into other cognitive assessments. However, most tools were affected by age and education levels. Furthermore, optimal cut-off points need to be cautiously chosen while screening for MCI among different populations.
Insights
Identifying early cognitive decline is crucial. This review identifies the most effective cognitive tools, like the MoCA and MMSE, for detecting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and potentially delaying dementia progression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Cognitive decline spans age-associated changes to dementia.
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents an intermediate stage.
- Early interventions may slow pathological progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the most effective cognitive tools for early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
- To evaluate cognitive tools based on psychometric properties, administration time, and delivery method.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across five databases.
- Identification and assessment of 52 distinct cognitive tools.
- Evaluation of tools based on psychometric properties, administration time, and delivery method.
Main Results:
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Clock Drawing Test (CDT) were most cited.
- Six-item Cognitive Impairment Test (6CIT), MoCA, MMSE, and Hong Kong Brief Cognitive Test (HKBC) showed preferable all-round performance.
- SAGE and a 4-point CDT were recommended for specific settings.
Conclusions:
- Several cognitive tools demonstrate effectiveness in screening for MCI.
- Age and education levels can influence tool performance.
- Careful selection of cut-off points is necessary for diverse populations.
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