title: The assessment of cognitive function in the elderly.
abstract: Evidence of impaired cognitive function requires careful evaluation to arrive at correct diagnosis and, possibly, treatment. Steps in this evaluation that might be undertaken in primary care are enumerated and discussed. The role of brief formal tests of cognitive functions in such an evaluation is emphasized.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests