Applying a Holistic, Person-Centered Perspective to Cognitive-Communication Assessment in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Mild cognitive impairment is a clinical syndrome characterized by cognitive decline while individuals maintain independence in daily activities. It also represents a risk factor for developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer disease. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a critical role in assessing and treating cognitive-linguistic impairments in this population to support independence. For effective, person-centered treatment planning, SLPs must move beyond normative-referenced assessments, incorporating tools that connect directly to functional, real-world goals. This tutorial guides SLPs in selecting and interpreting assessment approaches that extend beyond traditional performance-based tasks. It focuses on 3 important areas: communication, compensation, and risk reduction through social engagement, each supported by brief literature reviews and practical clinical resources. By adopting a holistic view of cognitive abilities and functional impact during assessment, SLPs can better design treatment plans tailored to the needs of individuals with mild cognitive impairment.