Contents

Search

attention assessment

Indications: - assessment of inattention [3,4] Clinical significance: - a test of the ability to focus, maintain, selectively shift mental activity, in context of alertness, level of arousal &/or level of consciousness. Procedure: - assessment may include digit span, tests of vigilance, freedom from distraction & complex attention (reverse seqeunces, arithmetic operations) - useful bedside tests - A test - digit span, 5 forward, 4 backward - 'World' backward - reciting months of the year or days of the week forward & backward [3] - days of the week backward - Trail-Making test part B [3] Pathology: 1) delirium: attention will fluctuate 2) dementia: attention generally not affected until severe Notes: - see inattention (Clinical manifestations:) - orientation & clock-drawing tests test for cognitive impairment but not specifically inattention [3]

Related

attention

Specific

attention screening examination continuous performance task continuous performance test; vigilance 'A' test digit span Go-No Go test trailmaking test

General

cognitive assessment

References

  1. Mendez, M. In: Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, Osterweil et al eds, McGraw Hill, New York, 2000, pg 89, 73-75
  2. Mahler ME, In: Intensive Course in Geriatric Medicine & Board Review, Marina Del Ray, CA, Sept 29-Oct 2, 2004
  3. Geriatric Review Syllabus, 8th edition (GRS8) Durso SC and Sullivan GN (eds) American Geriatrics Society, 2013 - Geriatric Review Syllabus, 11th edition (GRS11) Harper GM, Lyons WL, Potter JF (eds) American Geriatrics Society, 2022
  4. Inouye SK, van Dyck CH, Alessi CA et al. Clarifying confusion: the confusion assessment method. A new method for detection of delirium. Ann Intern Med. 1990;113(12):941-948 PMID: 2240918 https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-113-12-941