Cognitive testing in Spanish older adults: A scoping review

Objectives: Cognitive impairment is a major concern in aging populations. Early detection through validated neuropsychological tests is essential for dementia risk stratification and preventive interventions. This scoping review (PRISMA-ScR, 2013–2023, registration protocol: 10.17605/OSF.IO/8NHJF) e...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Sáez González, Lucía, Martínez López, Luis Antonio, Blázquez Abellán, Gemma, Carbajal de Lara, José Antonio, Martínez García, Rosa María, Castro Vázquez, Lucía Isabel
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Repositorio:RUIdeRA. Repositorio Institucional de la UCLM
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:ruidera_____::0181c248aed4597ab47ec5c003e26801
Acceso en línea:https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics11020045
https://www.mdpi.com/2308-3417/11/2/45
https://hdl.handle.net/10578/48510
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Dementia
Healthy aging
Mental health
Mild cognitive impairment
Neuropsychological test
Screening
Descripción
Sumario:Objectives: Cognitive impairment is a major concern in aging populations. Early detection through validated neuropsychological tests is essential for dementia risk stratification and preventive interventions. This scoping review (PRISMA-ScR, 2013–2023, registration protocol: 10.17605/OSF.IO/8NHJF) evaluated cognitive testing trends in aging research and identified the most frequently used neuropsychological screening tests in Spanish populations. Methods: Searches in PubMed and Web of Science (March 2024) yielded 730 records; 156 were reviewed in full, and 15 met inclusion criteria for Spanish adults =65 years. Results: The Mini-Mental State Examination was the most-used test, followed by verbal fluency and Trail Making Test. No test covered all six DSM-5 cognitive domains, and social cognition was never assessed in any of the studies. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment was underused despite its superior sensitivity. Conclusions: Findings support developing a tailored, multidomain battery combining global and domain-specific tests. Social cognition assessments should be included to ensure a complete cognitive domain coverage.