Assessment of Cognition in People with Intellectual Disabilities Using a Novel Set of Neuropsychological Tests

Researchers in the UK have been making considerable efforts to develop cognitive test-sets for the detection of dementia in people with an Intellectual Disability (ID). However, existing test-sets have significant limitations. The current study aimed to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a novel cognitive test-set that aims to provide a diagnostic measure of dementia for people with an ID. The tool was piloted with seven participants with an ID recruited from clinical and non-clinical settings. Feasibility was assessed through participant test scores, while acceptability was assessed using participant feedback and researcher observations. Results revealed that many of the tests included in the test-set generated a good range of scores, without floor or ceiling effects, including those that assess executive and olfactory functioning. Qualitative findings suggest that the test-set is generally well-received. Recommended revisions are discussed to support the validity and reliability of the tool. The current findings suggest the tool has potential (with refinements) for being useful for the comprehensive and accessible assessment of cognition and suspected neurodegeneration in people with ID, across a wide range of abilities.