Ron - We used the SLUMS on several occasions with some of our residents. We like the functionality of the questions, however have found the results to be very sensitive, especially for those who have beyond a high school education. Some of our residents have been offended when the results are reviewed with them to learn they may have mild memory impairment. We use an additional assessment the DRS (Dementia Rating Scale) to assess cognitive function. It DOES NOT diagnose dementia but looks at cognitive function in the areas of initiation/attention/construction/memory/conceptualization which you can easily refer deficits into ADL performance. The DRS is age adjusted for ages 55-105 and also takes in to consideration education levels. It can be obtained from PAR. We find it to be a good assessment tool and it can help in developing goals in a POC for areas of cognition to work on.
Michele A. Stoll, BS, OTA, CMT Manager, Rehabilitation Services Westminster Canterbury 1600 Westbrook Avenue Richmond, VA 23227 804-264-6216 804-264-6261 (Fax) [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ron Carson Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 7:44 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [OTlist] SLUMS Today, for the 1st time, I administered the SLUMS {St. Louis Univ. Mental Status, exam}. WOW, what an exam. I've given the MMSE and the Short-Blessed assessments many times but the SLUMS is way different. Has anyone else used this mental assessment? Thanks, Ron -- Ron Carson MHS, OT www.OTnow.com -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
