Use of the Cognitive Performance Test for Identifying Deficits in Hospitalized Older Adults

Objectives. The Cognitive Performance Test (CPT) is a functional assessment for persons with dementia. The study purpose was to evaluate the reliability, discriminant, and concurrent validity of the CPT. Method. The CPT was tested against other measures of cognition (Standardized Mini Mental Status Exam (SMMSE) and Assessment of Motor and Process Skills-Process scale (AMPS-Process)). Participants were persons 65 years and older admitted to a geriatric rehabilitation unit (n = 47). Results. The CPT correlated moderately with measures of cognition (SMMSE r = 0.47, AMPS-Process r = 0.53, P < 0.01), and ADL burden of care (FIM r = 0.32, P < 0.05). Scores were not affected by age, sex, years of education, motor skills, or comorbidities. The CPT differentiated between impaired and unimpaired individuals differently from other measures. Conclusion. While CPT appears related to other measures of cognition, test interpretation requires noting the variability between CPT scores and those measures.