Journal ArticleDementia and mild cognitive impairment screening in an emergency homeless shelterRoss, Heather M; Dzenga, Primrose; Myers, Martha; Squires, Alisa; Duncan, Stephanie; Caradine, Jamilyn; Scharf, Phillip; Bowman, Diana M<title>Abstract</title> <sec><title>INTRODUCTION</title><p>Older 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.</p></sec> <sec><title>METHODS</title><p>Dementia 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.</p></sec> <sec><title>RESULTS</title><p>In 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.</p></sec> <sec><title>DISCUSSION</title><p>Older 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.</p></sec>Alzheimer’s Association2024-05-0110514493Alzheimer's & Dementia2053666 to 36701552-5260https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.137631828010National Science Foundation