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Title: Dementia and mild cognitive impairment screening in an emergency homeless shelter
Abstract INTRODUCTIONOlder adults represent the fastest growing segment of the homeless community. Little is known about the prevalence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in this population. METHODSDementia and MCI screening using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was incorporated into the standard senior evaluation for adult clients aged ≥ 55 in a large emergency homeless shelter. RESULTSIn a 6‐week period, 104 of 112 (92.9%) assessments were positive for dementia or MCI using a standard cutoff of 26, and 81 (72.3%) were positive using a conservative cutoff of 23. There was no significant difference in MoCA scores based on sex or education level, and no significant correlation between age and MoCA score. DISCUSSIONOlder adults experiencing homelessness may have a high likelihood of dementia or MCI. Routine MoCA screening in older adults experiencing homelessness is feasible and can help to identify services needed to successfully exit homelessness.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1828010
PAR ID:
10514493
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
Alzheimer’s Association
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Alzheimer's & Dementia
Volume:
20
Issue:
5
ISSN:
1552-5260
Page Range / eLocation ID:
3666 to 3670
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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