COGNITIVE SCREENING INSTRUMENTS IN NEUROPSYCHIATRY - A REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RESEARCH OF THE AMERICAN-NEUROPSYCHIATRIC-ASSOCIATION

A 1994 survey by the Research Committee of the American Neuropsychiatr ic Association revealed that 58% of respondents employed formal assess ment of cognitive status; the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and neuropsychological testing were the commonest techniques. Literature review on common cognitive screening instruments found that the MMSE h as widespread popularity, ease of use, and a large body of research de monstrating its sensitivity to common neuropsychiatric disorders. The Committee recommends that clinicians who employ the MMSE 1) use it as a minimum screening for cognitive dysfunction; 2) employ age- and educ ation-normative corrections; and 3) supplement it with specific measur es of spatial functions, delayed memory, and executive abilities. The Modified MMSE and the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination als o show promise as screening tools.