Evaluating a Two-Step Approach: Combining Brief Risk Indicators and Short Cognitive Assessments for Improving Early Detection of Cognitive Impairment
Hanna K. Hausman, Samantha M. Roop, Jeremy J. Davis, Jeffrey N. Keller, Robin C. HilsabeckBackground
Scalable approaches for early detection of cognitive impairment are urgently needed. A two-step screening approach, in which short cognitive assessments are administered only to individuals at risk, offers an efficient alternative to universal screening. This study evaluated combinations of brief self-report risk indicators and short cognitive assessments to identify models that accurately classify cognitive impairment.
Methods
Participants aged 60+ from dementia specialty settings were classified as cognitively normal (CN; n = 87) or cognitively impaired (CI; n = 66). All completed three risk indicators, a modified self-report Brief Dementia Screening Indicator (BDSI), self-report of personal memory concerns, self-report of memory concerns expressed by others (other concern), and two short cognitive assessments (Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment screen [Qmci] and Speeded Matching [SM]). Logistic regressions using continuous variables and composite binary predictors predicted cognitive status.
Results
Models significantly predicted cognitive status (
Conclusion
A two-step approach using brief self-report risk indicators and short cognitive assessments shows promise for efficient detection of cognitive impairment, providing initial validation in dementia specialty settings to support evaluation in primary care.