ABSTRACT
This chapter is a comprehensive reference manual providing information on the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), which is an objective, clinician-administered test, designed to measure cognitive impairment in people with dementia. A manual of administration and scoring procedures is available for novice users of the CASI. The CASI is a carefully developed instrument that utilizes the best items from established instruments and has been refined through pilot testing for its applicability to two cultures. As a screening test, it provides a good sampling of pertinent domains, a particular strength being the inclusion of items examining executive skills, which are usually absent from such instruments. A brief history of the instrument's development is provided, along with a description of item content and administration/scoring procedures. Psychometric properties are reviewed and a critical commentary is provided. Key references are cited and in most cases the actual scale is included, giving the reader easy access to the instrument.
