Which screening tools are recommended for evaluating cognitive impairment in primary care settings?

In primary care settings, the recommended screening tools for evaluating cognitive impairment include brief, validated structured cognitive instruments such as the 10-point cognitive screener (10-CS), the 6-item cognitive impairment test (6CIT), the 6-item screener, the Memory Impairment Screen (MIS), the Mini-Cog, and Test Your Memory (TYM). These tools are suggested for use when dementia is suspected after an initial assessment and are appropriate for brief cognitive testing in non-specialist settings. It is important to note that a normal score on these cognitive instruments should not be used to rule out dementia solely. Additionally, when taking a history from someone who knows the person well, structured informant questionnaires like the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) or the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) may supplement the assessment. Practitioners should be cautious about using tools not specifically designed for capacity assessment, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination, as these may provide relevant information but are not sufficient alone for capacity evaluation.