Global Perspectives on Brief Cognitive Assessments for Dementia Diagnosis
J Alzheimers Dis. 2021;82(3):1001-1013. doi: 10.3233/JAD-201403.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Timely diagnosis of dementia is a global healthcare priority, particularly in low to middle income countries where rapid increases in older adult populations are expected.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate global perspectives on the role of brief cognitive assessments (BCAs) in dementia diagnosis, strengths and limitations of existing measures, and future directions and needs.
METHODS: This is a qualitative study of 18 dementia experts from different areas of the world. Participants were selected using purposeful sampling based on the following criteria: 1) practicing in countries with projected growth of older adult population of over 100%by 2050; 2) expertise in dementia diagnosis and treatment; 3) involvement in clinical practice and training; and 4) recognition as a national dementia expert based on leadership positions within healthcare system, research, and/or policy work. Participants were individually interviewed in their language of choice over secure videoconference sessions. Interviews were analyzed by a multidisciplinary team using theme identification approach.
RESULTS: Four domains with subthemes emerged illustrating participants' perspectives: 1) strengths of BCAs; 2) limitations of BCAs; 3) needs related to the use of BCAs; and 4) characteristics of an ideal BCA. While most experts agreed that BCAs were important and useful for dementia diagnosis, the themes emphasized the need for development and validation of novel measures that are sensitive, psychometrically sound, and culturally appropriate.
CONCLUSION: BCAs are important for guiding diagnosis and care for dementia patients. Findings provide a roadmap for novel BCA development to assist in diagnostic decision making for clinicians serving a rapidly growing and diverse dementia population.
PMID:34120897 | PMC:PMC9450569 | DOI:10.3233/JAD-201403
Authors
![Elena Tsoy](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/Elena%20Tsoy%20RSZ.jpeg?h=5e947002&itok=LNQS5Bim)
Elena Tsoy, PhD
Clinical Neuropsychologist
![Alissa Bernstein](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/alissa_bernstein.jpg?h=bade9c6d&itok=rPEdJAXY)
Alissa Bernstein, PhD, MPH, MA
Medical Anthropologist, Assistant Professor
![Stefanie Pina Escudero 2023](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/GBHI_2023-Conference-Photos_125%20%281%29%20%281%29.jpg?h=301bf149&itok=H795CwKR)
Stefanie Piña Escudero, MD
Geriatrician
![Maritza Pintado-Caipa](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/Foto.jpeg?h=7866ebfa&itok=LOeycjW_)
Maritza Pintado-Caipa, MD
Neurologist
![Tala Al-rousan](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/Tala-Al-rousan.jpg?h=8e5669b2&itok=E19s5aVY)
Tala Al-Rousan, MD, MPH
Epidemiologist
![Lingani Mbakile-Mahlanza](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/lingani_mbakile-mahlanza.jpg?h=ea75faf3&itok=reek7-Gp)
Lingani Mbakile Mahlanza, DPsyc
Clinical Neuropsychologist
![Maira Okada de Oliveira](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/maira_okada_de_oliveira.jpg?h=6846fd67&itok=NL4UrZlN)
Maira Okada de Oliveira, PhD
Neuropsychologist
![Myriam De la Cruz Puebla](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/Myriam_DeLaCruzPuebla.jpeg?h=c9c963d4&itok=9zbDkqXK)
Myriam De la Cruz Puebla, MD, PhDc
Neurologist & Scientist
![Stelios Zygouris](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/Stelios%20Zygouris.jpg?h=e1036815&itok=LjhiEaC4)
Stelios Zygouris, PhD
Neuropsychologist
![Aya Ashour](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/Aya%20Ashour.jpg?h=b988a365&itok=rrXpoH9R)
Aya Ashour, MD, PhD
Clinical & Academic Neurologist
![Hany Ibrahim](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/Hany%20Ibrahim.jpg?h=97d83ba5&itok=zPqDGeuf)
Hany Ibrahim, MD, MSc, PhD
Consultant Geriatrician, Senior Lecturer
![Bruce Miller](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/Bruce%20Miller.jpg?h=3334e0bf&itok=3zITuREU)
Bruce Miller, MD
Founding Director, University of California, San Francisco
![Victor Valcour](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/Victor%20Valcour.jpg?h=88b1f798&itok=-hX5KIpa)
Victor Valcour, MD, PhD
Site Director, University of California, San Francisco
![Kate Possin](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/Kate-Possin.jpg?h=b17e2d09&itok=N7EpTTfi)
Kate Possin, PhD
Professor of Neurology