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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
We read with interest the recommendations of Leroi et al. (2019) and SENSE-Cog Expert Reference Group of healthcare professionals for the Recognition and Management of Hearing and Vision Impairment in People with Dementia. This group of experts recommends the implementation of flexible and individualized assessments to identify and address concurrent deficits in sensory and cognitive functioning (Leroi et al., 2019). It is also highlighted the lack of standardized, sensitive clinical assessment tools, and evidence-based interventions for addressing simultaneous hearing, vision, and neurocognitive impairment (Leroi et al., 2019). Although sensation can be considered a neurocognitive function (Luria, 1963), Leroi et al. (2019) presented it as a concurrent function with neurocognition, rather than as an intertwined part of it. Other previous studies have followed a similar approach. For instance, research has indicated that sensory impairment appears to increase the risk of Major Neurocognitive Disorders (Brenowitz et al., 2019; Hwang et al., 2020). Furthermore, Leroi et al. (2019) focused primarily on peripheral assessment of hearing and vision, overlooking both peripheral and central evaluations of other senses. Therefore, while we fully support the recommendations provided, we propose expanding them by redefining neurocognitive assessment protocols to: (1) incorporate sensory evaluation beginning in middle age; (2) assess sensory function at both peripheral and central levels; (3) include all senses in the evaluation process; and (4) include tasks targeting multisensory integration.
Description
Keywords
Neurocognitive assessment Cognitive functioning
Citation
Pinto, J. O., Dores, A. R., Peixoto, B., & Barbosa, F. (2025). Redefining neurocognitive assessment: The essential integration of sensory evaluation. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 130, 105704. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2024.105704
Publisher
Elsevier