Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA.
Clin Geriatr Med. 2013 Nov;29(4):791-807. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2013.07.005.
The etiology of cognitive impairment in older adults is almost always a clinical diagnosis without definitive biomarkers. The clinical evaluation, therefore, is indispensable. Evaluating cognitive symptoms requires a deliberate approach to define the onset, course, and nature of symptoms. An informant who knows the patient well is essential. The physician must have a working knowledge of the basics of cognitive function. The neurologic examination also is fundamental to defining the origin of cognitive impairment. Extraocular movements, speech, and gait are examples of high-yield examination findings that can be observed and tested quickly, adding to the clinical impression.
老年人认知障碍的病因几乎总是临床诊断，没有明确的生物标志物。因此，临床评估是不可或缺的。评估认知症状需要一种深思熟虑的方法来定义症状的发作、过程和性质。了解患者的知情者是必不可少的。医生必须对认知功能的基础知识有一定的了解。神经检查对于确定认知障碍的起源也很重要。眼球运动、言语和步态是可以快速观察和测试的高收益检查结果的示例，这增加了临床印象。
