Following a brain injury (e.g. a stroke), people often experience a range of cognitive problems in addition to any difficulties in motor function. These cognitive problems may include change in language ability, in memory, in the ability to respond to the environment (through words or action), or to think through problems, including problems with maths and money handling.

Cognitive problems strongly influence how well people functionally recover after a stroke. Currently patients are not routinely screened to detect these cognitive problems. The Birmingham Cognitive Screen (BCoS™) is a new test instrument developed to enable the comprehensive and efficient screening of post-stroke cognitive function by health professionals. Within the hour test the examiner gains an overview of a range of cognitive processes in the stroke survivor. BCoS™ has been designed to be ‘aphasic and neglect friendly’, i.e. to overcome the difficulties in assessing individuals with speech and/or visuo-spatial deficits as a result of their injuries. Therefore, it is highly inclusive. The assessment provides a unique cognitive profile for each person assessed, informing health professionals early on of cognitive abilities and deficits son that treatment and care planning can be targeted most appropriately for better long term outcomes. Through research studies supported by the Stroke Association, BCoS™ is already made available to the assessment of over 800 stroke survivors in the West Midlands.

The test is due to be available in early March 2012. The test should be available to pre-order now via the Psychology Press website.

 

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