Cognitive screening is crucial for all stroke clients since not identifying cognitive impairments can negatively affect health outcomes. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a commonly used neuropsychological screen in the acute setting. However, the Menu Task (MT), a standardized performance-based functional cognitive screen, may be better at identifying cognitive deficits in this population. This study aimed to determine (a) the correlation between the MT and the MoCA, and (b) which screen better predicts outcomes (occupational performance, falls, and readmissions) in stroke patients with mild cognitive deficits. Using a prospective predictive design, both screens were administered to 80 hospitalized adults upon admission. Thirty days postdischarge occupational performance, as per the modified Rankin Scale and the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale, falls and readmissions data were collected. The results showed a small, nonsignificant positive correlation between the screens and the MT may be a better predictor of occupational performance and readmissions 1 month postdischarge.
Plain Language Summary
Does the Menu Task Foresee Occupational Performance, Hospital Readmissions, and Falls after Stroke?
For stroke patients, thinking is an important area to assess and function-based assessments may be better at anticipating future daily performance. This study compared the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Menu Task (MT) in their ability to anticipate ability to do everyday tasks, hospital readmission, and falls 30 days after discharge in 80 patients with mild thinking impairment. The study found that the MoCA and MT had a low association between each other and the MT may be better at anticipating occupational performance and hospital readmissions, although results were not statistically significant. Overall, the MT shows promise as a practical functional tool in the hospital setting to assess thinking ability for patients after stroke.
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