Dataset Information

Use of neuropsychological tests for the diagnosis of dementia: a survey of Italian memory clinics.

ABSTRACT: AIM:Providing an overview of the neuropsychological tests used in Italian memory clinics (defined as Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementias-CCDD in Italy) for the diagnosis of cognitive disorders and dementias. METHODS:A total of 501 CCDD, out of all 536 active CCDD, were surveyed between February 2014 and August 2015 to verify the characteristics of the centres who performed a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment (NPA), defined as the administration of at least one test for verbal and visual episodic memory, attention, constructional praxis, verbal fluency and executive functions (minimum core tests-MCTs), as part of the diagnostic process. RESULTS:A total of 45.7% of Italian CCDD performed a comprehensive MCT as part of the diagnostic process. The logistic regression model showed that the probability of including at least one psychologist in the team was higher in the CCDD that reported using a comprehensive NPA (OR 4.55; 95%?CI 2.92 to 7.1), that CCDD in Southern Italy had a lower probability of using an MCT (OR 0.56; 95%?CI 0.35 to 0.89) and that the use of an MCT was higher in university/Institute for Scientific Research and Healthcare CCDD (OR 10.97; 95%?CI 3.85 to 31.25). CONCLUSION:Almost half of the CCDD administered a set of MCTs; while the remaining centres only performed few tests or screening procedures. The neuropsychological tests used in Italian CCDD were comparable with those used in other European countries. Performing a comprehensive NPA remains the best way to assess and monitor cognitive deficits over time, thus further debate on the current status of NPAs in clinical practice is needed.

SUBMITTER: Di Pucchio A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5875680 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Use of neuropsychological tests for the diagnosis of dementia: a survey of Italian memory clinics.

Di Pucchio Alessandra A Vanacore Nicola N Marzolini Fabrizio F Lacorte Eleonora E Di Fiandra Teresa T Gasparini Marina M

BMJ open 20180328 3

<h4>Aim</h4>Providing an overview of the neuropsychological tests used in Italian memory clinics (defined as Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementias-CCDD in Italy) for the diagnosis of cognitive disorders and dementias.<h4>Methods</h4>A total of 501 CCDD, out of all 536 active CCDD, were surveyed between February 2014 and August 2015 to verify the characteristics of the centres who performed a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment (NPA), defined as the administration of at least one ...[more]

PMID: 29599390

Similar Datasets

Project description:ObjectivesConducting a national survey of clinicians and administrators from specialised dementia assessment services (memory clinics) in Australia to examine their current organisational aspects and assessment procedures and inform clinical tool harmonisation as part of the Australian Dementia Network-memory clinics project.DesignA cross-sectional survey.SettingPublic and private memory clinics across Australia.Participants150 individual clinicians completed the survey between May and August 2019. Responses could be given anonymously. Most clinics were publicly funded services (83.2%) and in metropolitan regions (70.9%).Outcome measuresDescriptive data on organisational aspects of memory clinics (eg, waiting times, staffing); the three most commonly used assessment tools per assessment type (eg, self-report) and cognitive domain (eg, attention).ResultsSince the last national survey in 2009, the number of memory clinics across Australia has increased substantially but considerable variability has remained with respect to funding structure, staffing and assessment procedures. The average clinic employed 2.4 effective full-time staff (range 0.14-14.0). The reported waiting time for an initial assessment ranged from 1 week to 12 months with a median of 7 weeks. While most clinics (97%) offered follow-up assessments for their clients, only a few (31%) offered any form of cognitive intervention. We identified over 100 different cognitive assessment tools that were used at least 'sometimes', with widespread use of well-established core screening tools and a subset of common neuropsychological tests.ConclusionThis paper presents a current snapshot of Australian memory clinics, showing considerable heterogeneity with some common core elements. These results will inform the development of national memory clinic guidelines. Furthermore, our data make a valuable contribution to the international comparison of clinical practice standards and advocate for greater harmonisation to ensure high-quality dementia care.

Project description:ObjectivesTo explore people's experiences of cognitive decline and receiving a diagnosis of dementia.Design61 semistructured interviews within 2 weeks of diagnosis. Audio recordings were transcribed, line-by-line coded using NVIVO V.11 and analysed using thematic analysis.Setting9 memory clinics (UK).ParticipantsPeople with mild/moderate dementia.ResultsMost participants were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (56% female, mean age 81 years). 104 codes were grouped into 22 categories, feeding into 9 subthemes and 4 overarching themes: (1) dissonance, threat to identity and visibility of dementia: dementia was associated with a progressive loss of competence, culminating in being an idiot, crazy and losing the plot. The stigma of dementia led people to hide their diagnosis from others, even close family members. However, decreasing competence in everyday tasks was becoming increasingly visible in family and wider social networks. (2) Vulnerability and being in limbo: people were frustrated by the impact of dementia on their lives and felt vulnerable. Moreover, people were disturbed by not knowing how much and when they would deteriorate further. (3) Loss of control and agency: loneliness, increasing dependence and becoming a burden foreshadowed increasing diminished personal agency. (4) Maintaining agency and self-worth: some people focused on what they could do and the benefits of diagnosis. This involved accepting the diagnosis, adapting to changes by using coping strategies and accepting support from others. This helped people to maintain personal agency and self-worth.ConclusionWhile personal acceptance of dementia is challenging, people are additionally troubled about disclosing their diagnosis to others. Limited time in diagnostic appointments and limited postdiagnostic support leave few opportunities to address the emotional impact of a dementia diagnosis. There may be opportunities for healthcare professionals to discuss with patients the benefits of staying positive, implementing coping strategies and accepting support to live well with dementia.

Dataset Information

Use of neuropsychological tests for the diagnosis of dementia: a survey of Italian memory clinics.

Publications

Use of neuropsychological tests for the diagnosis of dementia: a survey of Italian memory clinics.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets