Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine primary care providers’ adherence to USPSTF (2015), and the Alzheimer’s Association’s (2013) recommendations and guidelines advocating annual cognitive impairment screening on patients ages 65 years and older. The Alzheimer’s Association issued an algorithm for detecting cognitive impairment in older adults; this cognitive assessment algorithm was accepted and mandated by U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services during annual wellness visits of patients 65 years and older. In addition to the Alzheimer’s Association, USPSTF acknowledges the increasing prevalence of cognitive impairment and the benefits of early detection. However, USPSTF argues a lack o f research and information on the subject; to which, the current study attempted to aid the increasing data on cognitive screening in older adults (USPSTF, 2014). This study examined the amount of primary providers’ compliance in completing cognitive impairment screenings of older adults, probable barriers decreasing provider adherence of implementing annual cognitive testing of older adults, and the preferred methods and tools utilized for cognitive impairment screening o f those adults ages 65 years and older.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

8-1-2018

Publication Number

27919771

First Advisor

Carey McCarter

Second Advisor

Maria Scott

Third Advisor

Dr. Shonda Phelon

Document Type

Thesis

COinS