Cognitive Assessment Ipswich
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Individuals who are manifesting symptoms of cognitive impairment are having difficulties in navigating their daily lives. Since it is a brain health problem, individuals with cognitive impairment may experience the trouble of recalling, learning, and processing new information, and making logical decisions that can affect their entire lives. Having a cognitive impairment is a serious medical problem that needs immediate attention to determine the severity and provide the necessary therapy as soon as the symptoms are occurring. Thus, Positive Moods provides Cognitive testing to the citizens and residents of Ipswich to help them determine cognitive impairment.
Through the help of Positive Moods' healthcare professionals, the citizens and residents of Ipswich can undergo cognitive testing. This form of assessment examines the cognitive areas of an individual and determine if they are suffering from cognitive impairment. Therapy will also be provided to the participants who have undergone cognitive testing. This is to address and reduce the effect of cognitive impairment and eventually eliminate it if the condition is still curable. The key to reducing the chance of cognitive impairment in worsening further or turning to a long-term impairment is to get tested as soon as the symptoms are showing.
What is Cognitive Testing?
Cognitive Testing is a method used to cheque the condition of cognition to identify if cognitive impairment is manifested by the participant. Checking the condition of cognition is necessary for it is responsible for all areas of life indicating how an individual functions daily and in society. Cognitive testing is administered by a series of tests related to language, memory, concentration, problem-solving, processing speed, basic introduction, recognition, to name a few. Once the health professional administered the test, the response of the participants will be assessed such as their logic, opinions, and morals in life.
After administering cognitive testing, the areas of cognition will be assessed to determine if the participant is manifesting cognitive impairment like Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a delirium that causes mental confusion and emotional disturbance, or dementia which is commonly known for Alzheimer's disease. The result of the test determines if additional tests need to be administered to cheque any underlying problems and provide the necessary therapy to start the treatment. Cognitive impairment varies from mild to severe conditions. Some are curable and some conditions are not. Therefore, undergoing cognitive testing is important as soon as the symptoms of cognitive impairment occur. Getting assessed earlier is beneficial to immediately address the mild condition by delaying the effect of cognitive impairment through a healthy diet and medication to reduce the risk of having a long-term impairment.
What are the Types of Cognitive Testing?
There are three most common types of cognitive testing used to test the participant which are Mini-Cog, Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa) Test.
Mini-Cog
The Mini-Cog is the most commonly used test due to its ease of implementation. The test runs between 3 to 5 minutes and had been proven to be one of the most accurate and effective tests after brief training. It is administered by drawing a clock on a paper and involves recalling a shortlist of name objects containing three words.
Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)
The MMSE test is commonly administered to elderly participants and runs between 7 to 10 minutes. During the test, the participants will be asked about the current date including the month, day, and year repeatedly. They will also be reading a list of objects and recalling the list, counting backward, and constructing a short sentence that is grammatically correct.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa) Test
MoCa is a wide range of tests that can last up to 10 to 15 minutes. It involves testing vital cognitive skills such as the ability to think, listen, learn, understand, justify, reason, recall and concentrate. It is administered through drawing a shape or object, recognising a picture of an animal or an object, and remembering a shortlist of words.
What are the areas evaluated in Cognitive Testing?
Cognitive testing is administered by measuring cognition areas including memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills to determine the participant’s cognition status. The following areas include:
Language Skills. Language proficiency suggests a healthy brain and enhances memory and cognitive skills. To test the participant's language skills, they will undergo a series of tests including reading, verbal communication, and listening to determine the participant's way of conveying ideas.
Memory Skills. Under this area, the extent of holding a memory is assessed for it is responsible for concentration and following instructions. To assess the memory skills, the participants will be asked about their past including their childhood, recall memories they have with friends and family, community status, and current events.
Concentration Skills. One of the most important areas in cognition is concentration. It is responsible for an individual's level of focus and not easily distracted by random things. It is also an indication that the participants can think logically and reasonably.
Problem-Solving Skills. To test the participant's problem-solving skills, they will be given different situations to assess their response and perspective regarding the subject matter. The response of the participants will be assessed to determine their creativity, innovation, analytical thinking, flexibility, adaptability, perspective, and resilience.
Basic Introduction and Recognition Skills. One of the simplest ways to assess the cognition of the participants is by asking basic introduction questions such as the name of family members, place of birth or residence, and current date. The participant's capacity to recognise basic things are assessed by the therapist.
Processing Speed. The participant’s response time will be assessed to determine their capacity to learn and understand new information. It is administered by remembering past events or memories, giving new information, understanding the information, and delivering a response.
Physical Appearance. To assess the participant's mental health, the physical appearance will be assessed as well. It is important to be assessed to determine if the participant is consuming alcohol or illegal drugs.
What are the causes of Cognitive Impairment?
Undergoing cognitive testing can help the participants to determine cognitive impairment. However, the causes of cognitive impairment cannot be determined through the test. A review of medical history may be necessary. Some of the most common causes of cognition impairment include:
Brain or spinal cord injury
Ear or eye infection
Sleep apnea and other sleeping disorders
Dementia
Depression, stress, anxiety
Thyroid, kidney, liver disease
Blood vessel disease
Alcohol and drug misuse or dependency
Vitamin deficiency
Who needs Cognitive Testing?
Citizens and residents of Ipswich that have been through the common causes stated above and are manifesting the following symptoms of cognitive impairment, contact Positive Moods to get immediate help. The following symptoms include:
Often changes in personality
Equilibrium disorder
Increased stress or anxiety
Often forgets of important schedules and events
Often misplaces things
Sudden difficulty in speaking
Sudden loss of focus while having a conversation, reading a book, or watching a movie
For more details on Cognitive Testing, citizens and residents of Brisbane who are exhibiting the stated symptoms of Cognitive Impairment, may call Positive Moods on 1300 001 470, email at ndis@positivemoods.com.au, or fill up the contact form on https://www.positivemoods.com.au/contactus.