ABSTRACT
Growing awareness of the existence of dementia syndromes and new treatment possibilities has led to an increase in demand for cognitive assessment. This chapter outlines some of the assessment tools and considers when they should be used. It provides case examples to illustrate the purpose of some different kinds of assessment. Cognitive assessment of memory and intellectual ability is an essential element of assessment for diagnosis, as well as providing a baseline against which change as a result of intervention can be measured. Cognitive and behavioural assessments contribute to the diagnosis of dementia, together with physical, psychiatric and neurological tests, and the history from the individual and their family or friends. Quality of life measures, such as the QOL-AD, or Dementia Care Mapping, are used to monitor the effects of therapy programmes and care environments on clients' wellbeing. Most behavioural and Activities of Daily Living measures are completed by carers and can help identify the burden on the caregiver.
