Use of the Cognitive Performance Test for Identifying Deficits in Hospitalized Older Adults

Objectives . The Cognitive Performance Test (CPT) is a functional assessment for persons with dementia. The study purpose was to evaluate the reliability, discriminant, and concurrent validity of the CPT. Method . The CPT was tested against other measures of cognition (Standardized Mini Mental Status Exam (SMMSE) and Assessment of Motor and Process Skills-Process scale (AMPS-Process)). Participants were persons 65 years and older admitted to a geriatric rehabilitation unit ( n = 47). Results . The CPT correlated moderately with measures of cognition (SMMSE r = 0.47, AMPS-Process r = 0.53, P < 0.01), and ADL burden of care (FIM r = 0.32, P < 0.05). Scores were not affected by age, sex, years of education, motor skills, or comorbidities. The CPT differentiated between impaired and unimpaired individuals differently from other measures. Conclusion . While CPT appears related to other measures of cognition, test interpretation requires noting the variability between CPT scores and those measures.