Cognitive Assessments

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a brief, standardized screening tool used to detect mild cognitive impairment and assess various cognitive domains. Developed to facilitate the early identification of cognitive decline, the MoCA is particularly effective for evaluating individuals at risk of conditions like dementia.

Kathi Miracle has conducted hundreds of Mocaassessments for those in her care and residents of the facilities which she has ran.  Please contact her to discuss cognitive testing and brain training for you or your loved one.

The assessment typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete and includes a series of tasks that evaluate key cognitive functions, including:

Attention and Concentration - Tasks such as serial subtraction and forward and backward digit recall.

Memory - Immediate and delayed recall of a list of words.

Language - Assessing the ability to name animals, repeat sentences, and follow verbal commands.

Visuospatial Skills - Tasks that involve drawing or copying shapes.

Executive Functions - Including the ability to organize thoughts and solve problems.

The MoCA test is scored out of 30 points, with a score of 26 or above generally considered normal cognitive function. Lower scores may indicate mild cognitive impairment.

One of the strengths of the MoCA is its ability to be adapted for individuals with different education levels, making it applicable to a diverse range of populations. The test is commonly used in both clinical and research settings, providing valuable information for healthcare providers in diagnosing and monitoring cognitive health.

Kathi Miracle has conducted hundreds of MoCA  assessments for those in her care and residents of the facilities which she has ran.  Please contact her to discuss cognitive testing and brain training for you or your loved one.

The SLUMS test, or the Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination, is a brief screening tool used to assess cognitive function and identify potential neurocognitive disorders, including dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Designed for use in various settings, including hospitals and outpatient clinics, the SLUMS test takes approximately 10-15 minutes to administer.

The assessment comprises a series of questions and tasks that evaluate several cognitive domains, including orientation, memory, attention, and executive function. For example, it may include tasks such as recalling words, solving simple math problems, and drawing a clock.

Scoring is based on the individual's performance, with higher scores indicating better cognitive function. The SLUMS test is particularly beneficial for detecting cognitive decline in older adults and is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic assessments to provide a comprehensive cognitive profile. 

The test is straightforward and designed to be completed by individuals regardless of education level, making it a valuable tool for clinicians in assessing cognitive health.

Kathi Miracle has conducted hundreds of SLUMS assessments for those in her care and residents of the facilities which she has ran.  Please contact her to discuss cognitive testing and brain training for you or your loved one.

The WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale) is a widely used cognitive assessment tool designed to measure the intellectual capabilities of adults and older adolescents, typically aged 16 to 90. Developed by David Wechsler, the WAIS has undergone several revisions, with the latest version being WAIS-IV, introduced in 2008.

Components:

The WAIS consists of several subtests that evaluate different aspects of intelligence, categorized into four main indices:

1. Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI): Assesses language-based intelligence, including vocabulary, comprehension, and verbal reasoning.
2. Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI): Measures non-verbal and fluid reasoning skills through tasks involving visual and spatial processing.
3. Working Memory Index (WMI): Evaluates the ability to hold and manipulate information temporarily, reflecting attention and concentration.
4. Processing Speed Index (PSI): Assesses the speed and accuracy of processing simple visual information, involving tasks that require quick decision-making.

Purpose:

The WAIS is primarily used by psychologists to diagnose intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, and cognitive impairments. It can also help in assessing cognitive strengths and weaknesses, guiding educational and rehabilitation interventions, and aiding in clinical assessments for various psychological conditions.

Administration:

The test typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete and includes both verbal and performance-based tasks. It is administered individually by a trained professional, who scores the results and provides an interpretation of the findings.

Interpretation:

The scores from the WAIS provide a Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) score, which reflects an individual’s overall cognitive ability. The scores from the subtests and indices can also give insight into specific cognitive domains, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of a person's intellectual functioning.

In summary, the WAIS cognitive assessment is a robust tool that offers valuable insight into an individual's cognitive abilities, aiding psychologists in understanding and supporting their clients' needs effectively.

LearningRx cognitive assessments are designed to evaluate an individual's cognitive skills, including memory, attention, processing speed, and reasoning abilities. 

These assessments typically involve a series of standardized tests administered in a one-on-one setting with a trained professional.

The primary goal of the assessment is to identify specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses, providing insights into how these skills impact learning and day-to-day functioning. The assessment can be useful for individuals of all ages, from children struggling in school to adults seeking to enhance their cognitive performance.

Results from the assessment are used to develop personalized training programs aimed at improving identified cognitive areas, thereby enhancing overall learning capabilities and performance. LearningRx assessments are known for their engaging and interactive format, designed to make the experience as enjoyable and informative as possible.

Kathi Miracle is an owner of the LearningRx Franchise in Highlands-Ranch, CO. Please contact her to discuss cognitive testing and brain training for you or your loved one.

The Cognivue cognitive test is a computerized assessment tool designed to evaluate various cognitive functions, including memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function. This evidence-based test is particularly useful for detecting cognitive decline and monitoring changes in cognitive abilities over time.

Administered in a user-friendly interface, the Cognivue test typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Participants engage in a series of interactive tasks that measure their cognitive abilities while minimizing potential test anxiety. The tasks are designed to assess real-world cognitive skills, ensuring that the results are relevant and applicable to everyday functioning.

Upon completion, the test generates a detailed report that highlights the individual’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, offering insights into areas that may require further attention or intervention. The Cognivue test is often used by healthcare professionals, including neurologists, primary care physicians, and geriatric specialists, as part of a comprehensive cognitive assessment strategy. Its reliability and ease of administration make it an invaluable tool for early detection of cognitive impairment and for tracking cognitive changes over time.

Kathi Miracle is an owner of the LearningRx Franchise in Highlands-Ranch, CO and can administer and interpret Cognivue testing. Please contact her to discuss cognitive testing and brain training for you or your loved one.

The Kingston Standardized Cognitive Assessment (KSCAr) is a tool designed to assess elderly individuals suspected of having progressive dementias. It evaluates a broad range of cognitive abilities, focusing on those commonly impaired in dementia, such as memory, language, and visual-motor functions. The assessment yields percentile scores for each cognitive domain as well as an overall total score.

There are different versions of the KSCAr:

- KSCAr+Drive: Includes a driving scale to help determine if an individual is likely to pass a motor vehicle road examination.

- BriefKSCAr: A shorter version that provides a comprehensive screening in about 15 minutes.

- Mini-KSCAr: An initial screening tool that rapidly assesses symptoms commonly found in the early stages of dementia.

The KSCAr is valuable because it provides comprehensive screening in a short period without requiring specially trained personnel.