Dementia Researcher Blogs19 Nov 2025

Dr Peter Connelly - Cognitive Testing

Dr Peter Connelly narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.

Cognitive tests are central to dementia assessment, but Peter argues we rely on them far more than we should. He traces the history from early intellectual testing through tools such as CAPE and MMSE to modern complex batteries and laboratory measures supported by artificial intelligence. Across clinic and research, he highlights how scores can be misleading when training is poor, scoring is inconsistent, or guessing alters results, especially when small changes are treated as evidence that treatments work or fail. Throughout, he stresses that cognitive scores often relate poorly to what really matters for people with dementia which is how well they manage everyday tasks such as shopping, finances, driving, medication, and meal preparation.

Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-cognitive-testing/

Dr Peter Connelly is a retired Old Age Psychiatrist who spent much of his career in Tayside, helping to establish clinical trials for dementia and neuroprogressive disorders in Scotland. Now working with the Scottish Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network, he combines professional insight with personal experience as a former carer. In retirement, he enjoys music, golf, and time with his grandchildren.

Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

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