Keywords
Cognitive assessments, minority populations, older adults, patient perceptions, health disparities, dementia screening
Abstract
The acceptance of cognitive assessments by older minority adults is minimally acknowledged, contributing to healthcare disparities in minority mental health. This limited recognition may play a role in the gap in the adoption and use of these assessments. Cognitive screening tools are vital in detecting early mental deterioration in older adult care. However, cultural, linguistic, and educational differences influence perceptions of these assessments, impacting their effectiveness and utilization. This integrative review aims to understand perceptions of elderly minority populations (aged 65 and older) toward completing cognitive assessment tools.
An integrative review was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature published between 2014 and 2025 was performed across three academic databases. Search terms included any minority population (Hispanic, Black, African American, Asian, Pacific Islander) above 65 years of age. Inclusion criteria focused on studies examining perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of elderly minority populations toward cognitive assessments. Two independent reviewers screened a total of 370 abstracts across three databases. A total of 215 article abstracts were read for inclusion, reduced to 11 articles for full review. After a full-text review was conducted, 4 articles were removed due to not meeting the established criteria. The extracted data highlighted key themes such as the practicality, accessibility, and cultural relevance of cognitive assessments.
The usability of cognitive tools was emphasized across different cultural backgrounds; however, seldom were patients asked about perceptions regarding completing the assessments, resulting in lower performance. Findings supported a variation in the adoption and perceived effectiveness of different cognitive tools. This was influenced by educational background, language proficiency, and cultural norms. Adopting patient-centered approaches and using culturally appropriate instruments may improve early cognitive impairment detection and healthcare outcomes for elderly minority populations.
This study emphasizes the importance of tailoring cognitive assessments to patient preferences, enhancing clinical effectiveness and patient engagement in dementia care. The limited involvement of patients in developing these assessments highlights the need for more inclusive research approaches that incorporate culturally appropriate tools. Future research should explore diverse populations and direct patient involvement in cognitive assessment development.
Thesis Completion Year
2025
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Díaz, Desiree A.
College
College of Nursing
Thesis Discipline
Nursing
Language
English
Access Status
Campus Access
Length of Campus Access
1 year
Campus Location
UCF Cocoa
STARS Citation
Legón, Samantha N., "Patient Perceptions of Cognitive Assessments Among Older Adult Minority Populations: An Integrative Review" (2025). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 290.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/290
Rights Statement
