Predicting Functional Impairments in Cognitively Impaired Older Adults Using the Minnesota Cognitive Acuity Screen

Despite their growing use, few studies have examined the associations between patients’ performance on brief telephone-based cognitive assessments and their functional status. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the Minnesota Cognitive Acuity Screen (MCAS), a very brief telephone-based dementia screening instrument, and functional impairment as rated by the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale in a sample of 176 individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Results showed lower MCAS scores were correlated with poorer daily function as measured by CDR global scores and domain scores, and the MCAS orientation subscale was one of the strongest subscales in predicting functional status as it was uniquely predictive of all CDR domains. Findings suggest the MCAS appears to be useful in predicting patients’ level of daily function and may be useful for quickly and easily monitoring patients’ cognitive and functional status over time.