Abstract
The etiology of cognitive impairment in older adults is almost always a clinical diagnosis without definitive biomarkers. The clinical evaluation, therefore, is indispensable. Evaluating cognitive symptoms requires a deliberate approach to define the onset, course, and nature of symptoms. An informant who knows the patient well is essential. The physician must have a working knowledge of the basics of cognitive function. The neurologic examination also is fundamental to defining the origin of cognitive impairment. Extraocular movements, speech, and gait are examples of high-yield examination findings that can be observed and tested quickly, adding to the clinical impression.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 791-807 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Clinics in Geriatric Medicine |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 2013 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Funding Sources: VA Cooperative Studies Program , VA HSR&D , NIH , Minnesota Veterans Medical Research & Education Foundation .
Keywords
- Alzheimer
- Cognitive
- Dementia
- Executive
- Memory