[Assessment of cognitive functions in internal medicine].
The evaluation of cognitive functions can be performed using two approaches: a quantitative one, based on screening tools; a qualitative one, based on the examination of specific cognitive functions. The quantitative approach offers a pragmatic process: to screen rapidly for a cognitive dysfunction that may require assistance or treatments. We will present three screening tools and their diagnostic value: the clock test, the Mini Mental State Examination and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. They help select patients who require a more detailed examination to precisely diagnose their cognitive dysfunction. We propose a way to perform a detailed cognitive examination at the bedside, including the examination of alertness, attention, memory, language, frontal functions, praxis and hemi-neglect. This simple examination indicates the location of the cerebral lesion and sometimes suggests the underlying disease.
Service de neurologie, hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, 184, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine, 75012 Paris, France. Electronic address: jean.capron@aphp.fr.
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Capron
D003071:Cognition; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests
Cognition disorders; Dementias; Déficit cognitif léger; Démence; Examen physique; Mild cognitive impairment; Neuropsychologie; Neuropsychology; Physical examination; Troubles cognitifs