![]() The measure of daily functioning is crucial to the diagnosis of dementia, therefore relating remote screening measures to functional abilities would be highly advantageous. While multiple studies have observed how telephone screening instruments like the mTICS predict cognition, few have examined the relationship between these screening scales and functional abilities (e.g., handling money, managing medications, completing chores around the home). ![]() Such prediction equations could be used in clinical or research settings to remotely estimate performance on an in-person assessment of memory. Additionally, researchers have developed regression-based models using the mTICS and demographic variables to predict a composite score from multiple memory tests at baseline and 1 year follow-up. Multiple studies have demonstrated the ability of the mTICS to distinguish intact older adults from those with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia. Researchers have also found that the mTICS is more strongly correlated with and more strongly predicts performance at baseline and one year later on a larger, memory-based neuropsychological battery than the MMSE. To address this, Moylan and colleagues found significant correlations between mTICS and MMSE scores making the mTICS a reliable alternative whose measurement of cognitive impairment is not biased by physical limitations. Researchers also found that such tasks limit a battery’s ability to accurately measure cognitive performance in older adults for whom reading and drawing are difficult. While similar global cognitive screening tools like the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) tend to be used more commonly, motor and visual components require face-to-face interaction. One valuable addition to the telehealth toolbox is the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (mTICS), which allows for screening of multiple cognitive domains (e.g., memory, orientation, language) over the telephone. With all of these limitations, telehealth is rapidly expanding to meet the needs of this patient population, which became significantly more acute during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in-person cognitive evaluations are becoming increasingly impractical as they are costly, time-consuming, and difficult to provide to those with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Additionally, prompt screening is crucial to identify those at risk for neurodegenerative diseases in the earliest stages when treatments can be most effective. In screening for dementia, individuals need to be evaluated for cognitive and functional decline, as both are core criteria for a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia. Remote tracking of cognition and daily functioning in this at-risk group seems particularly beneficial to geriatricians and other providers, especially during COVID-19.ĭementia screening continues to be crucial for clinicians and researchers working with geriatric patients. The mTICS appears able to predict daily functioning in older individuals with MCI. ![]() Similarly, in a subsample of 93 participants with 16 month follow-up data, baseline mTICS and demographic information predicted 9–31% of ILS subscale scores at follow-up. Using simple hierarchical regression, baseline mTICS total score combined with demographic variables significantly predicted 19–22% of baseline ILS subscale scores. Three subscales of the Independent Living Scales (ILS Managing Money, Managing Home and Transportation, Health and Safety) were collected during a baseline visit and during a 16 month follow-up visit in a subsample of 93 individuals. The mTICS and demographic information (age, sex, education) were collected during a telephone screening visit for 149 older adults (65–91 years in age) with amnestic MCI. The current study sought to examine the relationship between the mTICS and a performance-based measure of daily functioning. Although it has been used to predict current and future cognitive function in older adults, no studies have examined if the mTICS can predict daily functioning. The modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (mTICS) is a frequently used telephone-based cognitive screening measure that can distinguish between normal aging, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. ![]()
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