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

Available for download on Thursday, April 23, 2026

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Rights Statement

In Copyright