ElectroConvulsive therapy Cognitive Assessment (ECCA) tool: A new instrument to monitor cognitive function in patients undergoing ECT.

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a well-established treatment for severe depression but may result in adverse cognitive effects. Available cognitive screening instruments are nonspecific to the cognitive deficits associated with ECT. An ECT-cognitive assessment tool which can be easily administered was developed and validated in a clinical setting.

Cognitive Impairment and Overall Survival in Frail Surgical Patients.

Background: The definition of frailty, as modeled by the Fried criteria, has been limited primarily to the physical domain. The purpose of this study was to assess the additive value of cognitive function with existing frailty criteria to predict poor postoperative outcomes in a large multidisciplinary cohort of patients undergoing major operations.

Study Design: A 4-level composite frailty scoring system was created via the combination of the Fried frailty score and the Emory Clock Draw Test to assess preoperative frailty and cognitive impairment, respectively.