title: A quantitative review of cognitive functioning in homeless adults.
abstract: Homeless people experience elevated rates of risk factors for cognitive impairment. We reviewed available peer-reviewed studies reporting data from objective measures of cognition in samples identified as homeless. Pooled sample-weighted estimates of global cognitive screening measures, full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ), and premorbid IQ were calculated, in addition to pooled sample characteristics, to understand the representativeness of available studies. A total of 24 unique studies were identified, with 2969 subjects. The pooled estimate for the frequency of cognitive impairment was 25%, and the mean full-scale IQ score was 85, 1 standard deviation below the mean of the normal population. Cognitive impairment was found to be common among homeless adults and may be a transdiagnostic problem that impedes rehabilitative efforts in this population. Comparatively little data are available about cognition in homeless women and unsheltered persons.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego; †Psychology Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, California; ‡San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego, Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology; and §Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, California.
authors.forename: Colin A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Depp
authors.forename: Lea
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vella
authors.forename: Henry J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Orff
authors.forename: Elizabeth W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Twamley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence / Q000502:physiology*