CASC Cognitive Assessment Stations
Cognitive assessment stations test your ability to use standardised tools, interpret results, and communicate findings — all under time pressure.
Overview
Cognitive assessment stations in the CASC test your ability to administer standardised cognitive screening tools (such as MMSE, ACE-III, or MoCA), interpret the results, explain findings to patients or relatives, and integrate cognitive findings into a differential diagnosis. These stations may also test your knowledge of dementia subtypes and the distinction between delirium, dementia, and depression.
Key Skills Assessed
- Administering cognitive screening tools (MMSE, ACE-III, MoCA)
- Interpreting scores and identifying patterns
- Differentiating dementia subtypes based on cognitive profiles
- Distinguishing delirium, dementia, and depression
- Explaining cognitive test results to patients and families
- Formulating an investigation and management plan
Recommended Framework
Introduction
Explain purpose of testing, gain consent, ensure patient is comfortable and able to engage
Orientation
Test orientation to time, place, and person
Attention
Serial 7s, spelling WORLD backwards, months backwards
Memory
Registration, recall (immediate and delayed), address recall
Language
Naming, repetition, comprehension, reading, writing
Visuospatial
Clock drawing, intersecting pentagons, cube copying
Interpret & Explain
Score the assessment, explain results sensitively, outline next steps and investigations
Example Exam Scenarios
Administer a cognitive screening assessment for a patient with memory concerns
Explain the results of cognitive testing to a patient's family
Differentiate between delirium and dementia in a hospital inpatient
Discuss the diagnosis and prognosis of Alzheimer's disease with a patient
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Not explaining the purpose of cognitive testing before starting
- ✕Rushing through the assessment without building rapport
- ✕Failing to recognise and adjust for educational and cultural factors
- ✕Not considering delirium as a differential when cognition is impaired
- ✕Giving a dementia diagnosis based on screening alone without further investigation
Examiner Tips
- Always normalise cognitive testing: "These are routine questions we ask everyone..."
- Be sensitive — cognitive testing can be distressing for patients
- If a patient becomes frustrated, acknowledge this and offer to take a break
- Know the key cognitive profiles for each dementia subtype
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