Attention

 

Many cognitive assessments will incorporate aspects of attention. For example:

• The Trail Making Test (TMT) - which is widely used to assess executive function in patients with stroke
• The Cognitive Assessment of Minnisota (CAM) which measures:
  • Attention span
  • Memory orientation
  • Visual neglect
  • Temporal awareness
  • Recall and recognition
  • Simple maths skills
  • Auditory memory and sequencing
  • Safety and judgement

As many stroke patients will have both cognitive and communication problems, it may not be appropriate to use standardised assessments. A functional task that is familiar to the patient may be more useful.

For further information about cognitive assessments go to The Stroke Engine.