The Cortical Function Assessment (CFA) is a 10-point test developed to
overcome the limitations of current bedside mental status exams which
emphasize orientation and memory. Items measure higher cortical function,
such as naming, writing, drawing, and stereognosis. The test was given to
young and old normal subjects, young and old depressive patients, and
patients with dementia. Interrater reliability was high (alpha = .95) as
was the correlation between it and the Short Portable Mental Status
Questionnaire (r = .87) and the Mini-Mental State (r = .92). The study
demonstrates the utility of the CFA as a screening tool in dementia and
depression in the elderly and suggests its use in routine geriatric
evaluations.Abstract Teaser