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Cognitive assessment
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A cognitive assessment is a structured exam that looks for cognitive impairment, that is, a problem with what you know, how you think, or how you judge a situation.
It is not one general question. Each instrument checks neuropsychological domains, which are the specific functions of the mind: memory, language, executive function, which is planning and organizing, abstract reasoning, attention, and visuospatial skills, which let you find your bearings in space. It is checking each room of the house separately, not looking at the facade.
Some tests look at a single domain and others are screens, that is, quick checks of several at once, such as the MMSE or the MoCA. The most complete version is the full neuropsychological examination, which goes through every domain in detail.
In brief
A cognitive assessment is a structured evaluation used to identify cognitive impairment, meaning a deficit in knowledge, thinking or judgment.
Each instrument probes specific neuropsychological domains: memory, language, executive function, abstract reasoning, attention and visuospatial skills.
It is checking each room of the house separately, not looking at the facade.
Some measure a single domain and others are screens that cover several at once, such as the MMSE or the MoCA; the most complete form is the full neuropsychological examination.
Sources (1)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingCognitive Assessment, StatPearlsPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
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