A Quantitative Review of Cognitive Functioning in Homeless Adults. Issue 2 (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Depp, Colin A.; Vella, Lea; Orff, Henry J.; Twamley, Elizabeth W.
• Is Part Of: Journal of nervous and mental disease. Volume 203:Issue 2(2015:Feb.)
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Homelessness -- Cognition -- Neuropsychology -- Serious mental illness -- Substance abuse; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Neurology; Psychiatry; Neurologie; Psychiatrie; Neurology; Psychiatry; Periodicals; 616.8005
• DOI: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000000248
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3018

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Homeless people experience elevated rates of risk factors for cognitive impairment. We reviewed available peer-reviewed studies reporting data from objective measures of cognition in samples identified as homeless. Pooled sample-weighted estimates of global cognitive screening measures, full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ), and premorbid IQ were calculated, in addition to pooled sample characteristics, to understand the representativeness of available studies. A total of 24 unique studies were identified, with 2969 subjects. The pooled estimate for the frequency of cognitive impairment was 25%, and the mean full-scale IQ score was 85, 1 standard deviation below the mean of the normal population. Cognitive impairment was found to be common among homeless adults and may be a transdiagnostic problem that impedes rehabilitative efforts in this population. Comparatively little data are available about cognition in homeless women and unsheltered persons.