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Detecting and Managing Cognitive Impairment to Improve Engagement in Heart Failure Self-Care

Current Heart Failure Reports volume 14, pages 13–22 (2017)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose of the Review

The purpose of this review was to examine the recent literature on detecting cognitive impairment in patients with heart failure (HF) and the evidence indicating any ramifications of cognitive impairment on patient engagement in HF self-care.

Recent Findings

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is common in HF and impacts on patients’ engagement in self-care, yet it is frequently not detected. The use of screening tools, even when brief, improves detection of MCI. However, the most sensitive, specific and feasible screening measure to use in practice is yet to be identified. A full neuropsychological assessment is required to determine a diagnosis of cognitive impairment and to identify the specific areas of cognitive deficit. In patients with HF, there appears to be differing clusters of cognitive deficits. Identification of these deficits may help inform the application of specific cognitive training strategies to ameliorating cognitive changes in HF patients and potentially enhance engagement in self-care.

Summary

Screening for cognitive impairment is crucial in the management of HF patients to ensure that potential self-care deficits are prevented. The optimal screening tool is yet to be identified.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Level 1/43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia

    Jan Cameron

  2. Australian Centre for Heart Health, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, PO Box 2137, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia

    Jan Cameron

  3. Charles Perkins Centre, Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney, Room 2210, Level 2, Building D17, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia

    Robyn Gallagher

  4. Center for Enhancing Quality of Life in Chronic Illness, Indiana University, School of Nursing, 600 Barnhill Drive, NU E409, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Susan J. Pressler

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  1. Jan Cameron
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Correspondence to Jan Cameron.

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Jan Cameron, Robyn Gallagher and Susan J Pressler declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Self-Care and Health Outcomes

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Cameron, J., Gallagher, R. & Pressler, S.J. Detecting and Managing Cognitive Impairment to Improve Engagement in Heart Failure Self-Care. Curr Heart Fail Rep 14, 13–22 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-017-0317-0

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Keywords

  • Heart failure
  • Self-care
  • Cognitive screening
  • Cognitive impairment