The present study investigated the criterion-based validity of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Cognitive Capacity Screening Examination (CCSE), and the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (NCSE) in a sample of older adults with suspected cognitive impairment. As cognitive screening tests, the MMSE, CCSE, and NCSE should predict performance relative to a more thorough testing procedure. In the present study, performance on the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery (HRNTB) was employed as the criterion measure. Scores on the General Neuropsychological Deficit Scale (G-NDS), a global performance measure computed from the HRNTB, served as the standard by which to judge the presence of cognitive impairment. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of each screening test, as well as how well each screening test correlated with the G-NDS, were investigated. Results of this investigation found that, although the MMSE, CCSE, and NCSE were all significantly correlated with the G-NDS, only the NCSE demonstrated an appropriate balance between high sensitivity and specificity. When a rigorous neuropsychological evaluation was employed as the criterion standard, the NCSE accurately detected the presence of cognitive impairment: in 82% of the cases. The MMSE and CCSE, however, failed to detect cognitive deficits in approximately 80% of the cases. These findings strongly suggest that the MMSE and CCSE may have limited utility in the identification of cognitive impairment in older adults. The heightened sensitivity of the NCSE appears to be the result of several unigue features of the instrument, including a multidimensional scoring system and a graded series of increasingly difficult items within each ability area. Future studies need to examine the utility of the NCSE in other geriatric settings, as well as with more diverse populations suffering from a variety of organic mental syndromes.

The accuracy of neuropsychological assessment is critical in the diagnosis of cognitive impairments in older adults. However, existing neuropsychological tests may not be suitable for minority populations. This thesis aimed to address this issue by recruiting cognitively-healthy South Asian older adults and assessing cognitive function in this group. Results showed that typically used assessments, despite being translated, were not suitable for this cohort. Furthermore, skills required for test completion such as mathematics and writing/hand dexterity (which are related to education levels) influenced test scores. Therefore, new assessments of general cognitive function and associative memory were developed to improve the accuracy of neuropsychological test scores. The new tests were not affected by education and they achieved high internal and test re-test reliability. Time of day (TOD) that testing takes place is also known to affect cognition. Interestingly, no TOD effects were observed in this cohort. It was hypothesised that engagement in the daily five Islamic prayers may have contributed to this lack of a TOD effect. However, the results did not confirm this. The thesis then looked at overall prayer engagement and cognition. Results showed that engagement in the daily five prayers and Quran recitation significantly increased scores on assessments of processing speed. This thesis demonstrates that accurately assessing cognition in South Asian older adults is challenging and that the cognitive tests used must be suitable for this cohort. Interesting findings emerged for prayer engagement which may have wider implications for the field of cognitive reserve.

The chapter titled Present state focuses on the problem of gerontology and geriatrics. Other chapters include description of the most outstanding neuropsychical and somatic changes in the old-age. Next chapters deal with functional examine and geriatric rehabilitation problem.The objective of the thesis was assessing the extent of self-reliance and psychical changes affecting all the occupants of using Crichton Geriatric Rating Scale.146 seniors were tested according to the Crichton Geriatric Rating Scale.Three hypotheses were stated. It was expected that the results of the Crichton tests would correlate with the results of MiniMental Test. Another hypothesis was that there would be better results of the test done to the people whose family care for them actively. The last hypothesis expected worse results of the people who have been in the retirement home for more than three years.The research has confirmed that the results of the Chrichton test and MiniMental test correlate. Correlation of the Crichton test with the active care and interest of the family for the senior and the length of their stay was not proved.

The main goal of the thesis entitled "The selected methods of social work with clients self-non sufficient in health care facilities" was to describe and to analyze methods used in activation of the elderly suffering from dementia. It draws a comparison of different settings and explores workers's attitude to the methods of activation. The text of the thesis was mapped out into five chapters. The first chapter was set into the context of old age and ageing. The second chapter is concerned with the issues of self-sufficiency and dependency of old age and other related issues. The topic of the third chapter is old age in relation with memory. It defines memory and memory disorders in the elderly suffering from dementia. The fourth chapter is crucial and gives an idea of non-pharmacological and other possible activities which are eligible for application in practice and are intended to reduce cognitive disorders of cognitive functions and behavior disorders. The theoretical part enters into research carried out in four facilities which care for clients with dementia. The research section is represented by a qualitative research where methods of a half structured interview and observation were opted for. The interviews were realized with eight practicing experts. The outcomes gathered from the...