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Mapping the Cognitive Constructs Assessed by the Allen Cognitive Level Screen: A Scoping Review
Guang-Hsing Liu1,2, Loren Pordage3, Tzu-Chi Pan4
1Ph.D. Program in Healthcare Science, Division in Rehabilitation Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Psychology Research and Behavior Management
|April 16, 2026
Summary
The Allen Cognitive Level Screen (ACLS) reliably assesses global cognition, executive function, and attention, but not specific cognitive domains. Use ACLS results alongside traditional tests for comprehensive cognitive evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- The Allen Cognitive Level Screen (ACLS) has been widely used for over 40 years.
- The precise cognitive constructs measured by the ACLS are not fully understood.
- Clarifying the ACLS's cognitive targets is crucial for its effective clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review of quantitative relationships between ACLS scores and standardized cognitive assessments.
- To identify the specific cognitive abilities assessed by the ACLS.
- To inform the integration of the ACLS with traditional cognitive evaluations.
Main Methods:
- Searched five major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO) from inception to December 2025.
- Included studies with empirical data from clinical populations, any ACLS version, standardized cognitive measures, and correlation analyses.
- Classified cognitive measures into nine domains and categorized correlation strength (weak, moderate, strong).
Main Results:
- Analyzed 24 studies with 1951 participants across six diagnostic groups.
- Found statistically significant relationships in 73.5% of 117 examined quantitative relationships.
- The ACLS showed strongest associations with global cognition, social cognition, and executive function (81.5%-94.7% significance).
- Weaker associations were observed for memory, visuospatial, and orientation domains (33.3%-50.0% significance).
- Correlation patterns varied by population and ACLS version, with limited data on ACLS-6.
Conclusions:
- The ACLS reflects integrated cognitive processes like global functioning, executive abilities, and attention, rather than discrete cognitive components.
- Findings suggest the ACLS may capture sensorimotor information processing during purposeful activity.
- Clinicians should use the ACLS as a complement to, not a substitute for, domain-specific cognitive assessments.
- Further research is needed on structural validity and the ACLS-6 to confirm construct validity.
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