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Nurse‐led cognitive screening model for older adults in primary care
Author(s) -
Yang Yanni,
Xiao Lily Dongxia,
Deng Lanlan,
Wang Yanjiang,
Li Min,
Ullah Shahid
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
geriatrics and gerontology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1447-0594
pISSN - 1444-1586
DOI - 10.1111/ggi.12339
Subject(s) - medicine , dementia , cognition , referral , cognitive impairment , primary care , memory clinic , gerontology , cognitive decline , family medicine , psychiatry , disease , pathology
Aim The present study aimed to establish a nurse‐led cognitive screening model for community‐dwelling older adults with subjective memory complaints from seven communities in C hongqing, C hina, and report the findings of this model. Methods Screenings took place from J uly 2012 to J une 2013. Cognitive screening was incorporated into the annual health assessment for older adults with subjective memory complaints in a primary care setting. Two community nurses were trained to implement the screening using the M ini‐ M ental S tate E xamination and M ontreal C ognitive A ssessment. Results Of 733 older adults, 495 (67.5%) reported having subjective memory complaints. Of the 249 individuals who participated in the cognitive screening, 102 (41%) had mild cognitive impairment, whereas 32 (12.9%) had cognitive impairment. A total of 80 participants (78.4%) with mild cognitive impairment agreed to participate in a memory support program. Participants with cognitive impairment were referred to specialists for further examination and diagnosis; only one reported that he had seen a specialist and had been diagnosed with dementia. Conclusions Incorporating cognitive screening into the annual health assessment for older adults with subjective memory complaints was feasible, though referral rates from primary care providers remained unchanged. The present study highlights the urgent need for simple screenings as well as community‐based support services in primary care for older adults with cognitive or mild cognitive impairments. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 721–728.