Screening for Cognitive Decline by Lay Navigators: A Scoping Review

Innovative ways of screening for cognitive decline are urgently needed to increase detection and access to early treatment, particularly for those at highest risk for morbidity and mortality. The aim of this scoping review was to identify how cognitive screening is conducted within primary care and other clinical settings, specifically focusing on the use of lay navigators. Using Arksey and O'Malley's framework for scoping reviews, inclusive of collaborators' feedback, we included English-language research articles published after 2010 and identified ten articles. We found that lay navigators could effectively screen for common memory problems, provide support to patients and caregivers' needs, and deliver standardized education. Incorporating cognitive screening by lay navigators can facilitate earlier access to effective treatment, especially by those burdened by existing disparities. Future research and widespread adoption of these innovative methods may improve earlier screening and thus early detection and treatment in primary care settings.