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Screening for cognitive impairment among inpatients.

L M Radford, E F Chaney, M R O'Leary

The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry

|September 1, 1978

Summary

The Trail-Making Test effectively screens for cognitive impairment in hospital patients, including those with alcohol use disorders. This quick and accurate test aids in treatment planning by identifying cognitive deficits.

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Area of Science:

Neuropsychology
Clinical Psychology
Gerontology

Background:

Cognitive impairment screening is crucial for effective patient treatment planning.
Alcohol consumption is closely linked to cognitive deficits, necessitating awareness in patients with drinking problems.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the Trail-Making Test (TMT) as an economical, rapid, and accurate cognitive impairment indicator.
To assess TMT's utility in a non-neurological hospital patient sample, particularly those with alcohol-related issues.

Main Methods:

The Trail-Making Test was administered to patients in a Veterans Administration Hospital.
Performance on the TMT was compared against established IQ and neuropsychological tests, including the Wechsler Bellevue Intelligence Scale and Halstead Reitan Battery.
Correlations between TMT performance and personality variables were analyzed to assess discriminant validity.

Main Results:

The TMT demonstrated the ability to differentiate between normal and impaired cognitive function.
TMT performance showed significant discrimination when compared to established neuropsychological assessments.
No significant correlations were found between TMT performance and personality variables, supporting its discriminant validity.

Conclusions:

The Trail-Making Test is a valid and efficient tool for identifying cognitive impairment in hospital settings.
TMT is particularly useful for patients with alcohol use disorders, where cognitive deficits are common.
The test's discriminant validity suggests it accurately measures cognitive function rather than personality traits.

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