Overview
This protocol outlines the standardized procedure for conducting comprehensive cognitive assessments in neurological practice.
Pre-Assessment Requirements
Environment Setup
- Quiet, well-lit room
- Comfortable seating
- Minimal distractions
- Testing materials prepared
- Stopwatch/timer
Required Materials
- MMSE form
- MoCA test kit
- Trail Making Test forms (A & B)
- Clock Drawing Test materials
- Documentation forms
Assessment Procedure
1. Initial Patient Preparation
- Verify patient identity
- Explain testing purpose and process
- Obtain informed consent
- Document baseline state
2. Core Assessment Battery
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
- Orientation (10 points)
- Registration (3 points)
- Attention/Calculation (5 points)
- Recall (3 points)
- Language (9 points)
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
- Visuospatial/Executive (5 points)
- Naming (3 points)
- Memory (5 points)
- Attention (6 points)
- Language (3 points)
- Abstraction (2 points)
- Delayed recall (5 points)
- Orientation (6 points)
3. Supplementary Tests
- Trail Making Test (Parts A & B)
- Clock Drawing Test
- Verbal Fluency Assessment
Scoring and Documentation
Recording Results
- Document raw scores
- Calculate adjusted scores (age/education)
- Note any testing conditions
- Record completion time
Interpretation Guidelines
- MMSE: <24/30 suggests impairment
- MoCA: <26/30 suggests impairment
- Consider demographic factors
Quality Control
Validity Checks
- Patient effort assessment
- Environmental interference
- Testing conditions
Documentation Requirements
- Complete test forms
- Clinical interpretation
- Recommendations
- Follow-up plan