When assessing dementia in a patient, which of the following tests may be used?

Cognitive Assessment Screening is the most appropriate test for assessing dementia in a patient because it specifically evaluates cognitive function, including memory, attention, reasoning, and the ability to perform daily activities, which are affected in dementia. Various screening tools, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), fall under this category and are commonly used in clinical practice to identify cognitive impairment and assist in diagnosing dementia.

The Glasgow Coma Scale is primarily used to assess consciousness level and neurological function, especially in patients with head injuries or altered mental status, making it unsuitable for evaluating the broader cognitive changes associated with dementia. Similarly, the Functional Independence Measure assesses an individual’s functional capabilities and activities of daily living but does not specifically target cognitive impairment. Therefore, while helpful in evaluating the overall functional status, it is not tailored for dementia assessment.