Cognitive Impairment

Summary of recommendations for clinicians and policy-makers

The CTFPHC will continue to carefully monitor the scientific developments in screening for cognitive impairment and in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and will report back to Canadians within 5 years with an update of the 2015 guidelines.

This recommendation applies to community dwelling older adults (≥65 years of age) who do not have noticeable symptoms suggestive of mild cognitive impairment or dementia. This recommendation does not apply to men or women who are concerned about their own cognitive performance (i.e. the patient has raised complaints about cognitive changes with their clinician or others) or who are suspected of having mild cognitive impairment or dementia by clinicians or non-clinicians (caregivers, family, or friends) and/or have symptoms suggestive of mild cognitive impairment or dementia (such as loss of memory, language, attention, visuospatial, or executive functioning, or behavioural or psychological symptoms that may either mildly or significantly impact a patient’s day-to-day life or usual activities).

We recommend not screening asymptomatic adults (≥65 years of age) for cognitive impairment
Strong recommendation, low quality evidence