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Psychometric profiling of the elderly using the Cambridge Cognitive Examination
B Johnston1, N Scott, A Li Wan Po
1School of Pharmacy, Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|October 1, 1995
Summary
This study profiles cognitive impairment in elderly care settings using the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG). Results show the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) correlates well with CAMCOG for general cognitive screening.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuropsychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Cognitive impairment is prevalent in elderly populations, necessitating reliable screening tools.
- Specialist day care centers and residential homes house significant numbers of elderly individuals with varying cognitive statuses.
- Accurate psychometric profiling is crucial for understanding and managing cognitive decline in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a psychometric profile of elderly individuals in care settings using the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG).
- To identify factors predicting CAMCOG scores in this population.
- To assess the correlation between CAMCOG and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for potential use as a replacement screening tool.
Main Methods:
- Nonrandom convenience sampling of elderly subjects from day care centers, residential homes, and elderly mentally ill units in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
- Utilized the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for cognitive assessment.
- Analyzed CAMCOG and MMSE scores against variables including age, sex, education, and neurological conditions.
Main Results:
- Age, sex, visual aid use, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy were significant predictors of CAMCOG scores.
- Similar predictors were identified for MMSE scores, with stroke being an exception.
- CAMCOG and MMSE scores demonstrated a close correlation, though CAMCOG showed bias with increasing scores.
- Significant differences in cognitive function were observed across different care settings, with residential homes exhibiting greater heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Elderly subjects in specialist care settings exhibit significant cognitive impairment.
- The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) provides comparable information to the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG) for general cognitive screening in this patient group.
- The study population is likely representative of individuals attending similar UK-based care units.