Jacqueline Wesson

A diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) depends on the extent of functional decline, however, detecting early change is difficult. Cognitive changes do not automatically cause problems with functioning (or performing everyday activities), but impaired ‘functional cognition’ does. Functional cognition describes how cognitive skills are used to ‘do’ these activities, and functional cognition tests can detect subtle functional decline in ‘cognitively normal’ people (with dementia-related brain changes), mostly identified in research settings to date. Performance-based methods, where people complete everyday tasks in real life are best, but functional assessments, usually by occupational therapists (OTs), are lengthy and expensive, access to OTs is limited and not everyone needs comprehensive testing. Screening tools are an efficient, low-cost alternative. 

Dr Wesson will test two functional cognition screens, compare them to cognitive screens, a new computer-based tool and OT assessment, to determine the most effective approach to detecting impaired functional cognition in older people. Improved targeting of referrals for in-depth assessment and/ or interventions, support for early diagnostic processes or delaying progression, and improving quality of life are intended outcomes. In future, different healthcare professionals across settings (including rural/ remote) can test the screens, potentially providing wider surveillance of people ‘at risk’ of dementia. 

Read more about this exciting project

Dr Jacqueline Wesson is an active member of the Sydney Dementia Network and Occupational Therapy Australia’s Aged Care Reference Group, and the Australian Dementia Network’s Early-Mid Career Accelerator Group, co-ordinating the sponsorship program for early career researchers in Australia.