Results from a randomized controlled trial (NCT03816644) published in Nature Medicine demonstrated that use of the “5-Cog Paradigm” by primary care clinicians for cognitive assessment in minoritized patient populations led to a three-fold improvement in diagnoses of mild cognitive impairment and dementia as well as treatment (referral to specialists and medication use) compared with a control group. The “5-Cog Paradigm” consists of a 5 minute cognitive assessment of memory, mobility, and executive function using existing screening tools along with clinical decision support within electronic medical records.

The study included 1201 patients with cognitive concerns (median age 72.8 years), 94% of whom were Black and/or Hispanic/Latino who resided in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. No study-related adverse events were reported.

The study's findings have important implications for early detection and management of cognitive impairment in primary care settings with diverse patient populations, which could lead to better outcomes and reduced health care disparities.

Source: Verghese J, Chalmer R, Stimmel M, et al. Non-literacy biased, culturally fair cognitive detection tool in primary care patients with cognitive concerns: a randomized controlled trial. Nat Med. 2024. doi:10.1038/s41591-024-03012-8