Important Considerations in the Assessment of Seniors who are Aging with Cognitive or Intellectual Disabilities
Year: 2018
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: The primary objective of the present review is to summarize key findings on the assessment approachesand interviewing techniques that best meet the functional capacity of elderly individuals who are aging withcognitive and/or intellectual disabilities. Assessment techniques are not always relevant to the population ofseniors who are aging with cognitive impairment or intellectual disabilities, because these individuals are oftenunable to describe or communicate their needs effectively. This makes interviewing such clients problematic,not only for healthcare professionals, but also for everyone who is engaged in providing support and care toseniors who are aging with such disabilities. A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, MedLineand CINAHL from 1990 until August 2017 using terms such as “elderly”, “cognitive impairment”, “intellectualimpairment” and other synonyms. A total of 64 articles were identified and further analyzed. Based on thecurrent body of literature, assessment of seniors who are aging with any degree of cognitive and/or intellectualimpairments is complex and there is no gold standard. However, there are several strategies that can be helpfulin clinical practice and research. Further research is needed on both cognitive and intellectual disabilities toestablish a sound evidence for description, screening for risk factors or undetected problems, setting rehabilitationgoals, and monitoring treatment progress.
Source: MOJ Gerontology & Geriatrics
Authors: Alhadi M. Jahan, Miya Ismayilova
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2783609264