[Assessment of mild cognitive impairment and dementia in epidemiologic studies. An overview on the current state of research in Germany]

Psychiatr Prax. 2013 May;40(4):183-91. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1343138. Epub 2013 Apr 5.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Objective: We sought to provide an overview on the assessment of mild cognitive impairment and dementia in epidemiological studies from Germany.

Methods: We conducted a literature search in the databases Pubmed and PsycInfo.

Results: Literature search identified 31 relevant studies using a broad spectrum of methods and neuropsychological instruments.

Conclusion: Further efforts are necessary to establish a generally accepted core set of instruments enabling a harmonized assessment of mild cognitive impairment and dementia in epidemiological studies. Such a core set should comprise neuropsychological tests but also standardized questionnaires on subjective cognitive impairment and impairment in activities of daily living. If possible, third-party information (proxy interviews) should be included.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / classification
  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis*
  • Alzheimer Disease / epidemiology*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / diagnosis*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / epidemiology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Germany
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychometrics
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult