When changes in memory, thinking, or behavior start to appear, families often feel unsure about what’s normal aging, what’s concerning, and what to do next. Cognitive evaluation tools help provide clarity, guide care planning, and open the door to meaningful support.
This guide walks you through:
- Common cognitive screening tools
- When it’s time to be tested
- Where results go and who sees them
- What to do after a cognitive impairment is identified
- How to recognize and respond to unmet needs
Common Cognitive Evaluation Tools
These tools do not provide a formal diagnosis on their own. Instead, they help identify whether further evaluation is needed.
SLUMS (Saint Louis University Mental Status Exam)
A brief screening tool used to identify mild cognitive impairment and dementia. It evaluates memory, attention, problem-solving, and executive functioning. Often used in primary care and hospital settings.
GPCOG (General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition)
Designed for use in primary care. Includes a patient assessment and an informant (family or caregiver) questionnaire to provide a broader picture of daily functioning.
MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination)
One of the most widely known tools. Assesses orientation, recall, attention, calculation, language, and visual-spatial skills. Less sensitive to early-stage cognitive changes.
MIS (Memory Impairment Screen)
A quick screening tool focused on delayed recall. Often used when time is limited and memory loss is the primary concern.
MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
Highly sensitive to early cognitive changes. Evaluates executive function, attention, memory, language, abstraction, and visual-spatial skills. Commonly used by neurologists and specialists.
Informant Tools
These tools rely on input from someone who knows the individual well. They help capture functional changes that may not appear during a short office visit.
Mini-Cog
A fast screening tool combining a three-word recall and a clock-drawing test. Frequently used during Medicare Annual Wellness Visits.
FAST Scale (Functional Assessment Staging Tool)
Used to stage dementia progression based on functional abilities rather than test scores. Helpful for long-term planning and care decisions.
When Is It Time to Get a Cognitive Test?
Consider requesting an evaluation if you notice:
- Repeated memory loss affecting daily life
- Difficulty managing medications or finances
- Changes in judgment, personality, or behavior
- Increased confusion, anxiety, or agitation
- Family members saying, “Something just isn’t right”
Testing allows families to understand and put a safety net in place instead of reacting quickly to crisis.
Where Do Test Results Go?
Results are typically documented in the medical record and shared with:
- Primary Care Providers
- Neurologists or specialists (if referred)
- Other healthcare providers involved in care
Who Are the Results Shared With?
With consent, results may be shared with:
- Spouses, responsible parties, and approved partners
- Children
- Healthcare and care management teams
Sharing results helps everyone work from the same understanding and reduces miscommunication.
What Do We Do After Receiving Results Indicating Cognitive Impairment?
Receiving results can feel overwhelming. The next steps matter.
1. Start Journaling
Track changes in cognition, behavior, and function—when they occur and what they look like.
2. Consult with Primary Care
Request lab work to rule out vitamin deficiencies, infections, thyroid issues, or other reversible conditions.
3. Find a Care Team that understands dementia
- Start with just a few hours and adjust as needs change
- Muscle memory makes home the safest and most familiar place to continue the dementia journey
- Call Home Care Partners for a free care consultation: 402-780-1211
4. Legal, Financial & Long-Term Care Planning
- Create or update advance directives
- Review wills and living wills
- Establish Healthcare and Financial Powers of Attorney
- Share POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) with providers
5. Improve Home Safety
- Install smart doorbells or monitoring technology
- Add grab bars, toilet rails, and a shower bench
- Consider wearable GPS devices
- Add a 24/7 Safety system that will provide safety alerts and fall detection
6. Driving Evaluation
Schedule a driving evaluation such as the Interactive Driving Simulator at Madonna (Lincoln: 402-413-3000).
7. Encourage Physical Activity
Daily movement supports strength, balance, mood, and brain health.
8. Start monthly care conferences with your care manager
9. Create a Consistent Routine
- Stick to familiar people, places, and schedules
- Use digital calendars, whiteboards, and reminder notes
10. Organize Medications
- Use a morning/afternoon/evening pill organizer
- Keep medication bottles out of sight
11. Prepare for Social Experiences
- Avoid crowded or overstimulating environments
- Keep settings calm and predictable
Understanding Unmet Needs: The P-BREATHE Model
Behavior is communication. Many symptoms are unmet needs.
- P – Pain
- B – Boredom
- R – Restroom
- E – Exhaustion
- A – Approach (how we interact)
- T – Thirst
- H – Hunger
- E – Environment
Addressing unmet needs often reduces agitation, anxiety, and distress.
Create a family care plan:
- What brings you joy?
- Where do you want to be?
- How can you age in place with memory care at home?
Focus on What Matters Most
Early education, planning, and support allow families to stay connected, reduce crisis moments, and remain at home.
📞 Call for a free Care Consultation: 402-780-1211
Karla Frese, Certified Dementia Practitioner
Home Care Partners®
📧 Karla@HomeCarePartners.com
Our Caregiving team provides personal one-on-one attention for your loved one. When you are ready to begin your care journey, we are the experts that will answer your questions and help you implement a plan.
Home Care Partners is locally owned and committed to providing Thoughtful, Quality, and Dedicated Care.
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