Which screening tool is specifically used to assess the risk for cognitive decline in older adults?

The Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE) is specifically designed to assess various cognitive domains such as attention, memory, fluency, language, and visuospatial skills, making it a comprehensive screening tool for cognitive decline in older adults. It combines elements that evaluate not just memory but also other cognitive functions, which is essential when determining the risk of cognitive decline.

Unlike tools that focus primarily on memory or cognitive function in isolation, the ACE provides a broader assessment, which is crucial for diagnosing conditions like dementia or mild cognitive impairment in the geriatric population. This holistic approach helps identify specific areas of cognitive strength and weaknesses, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of an individual's cognitive health.

While other options like the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) also evaluate cognitive function, they may not cover as comprehensive a range of cognitive skills as the ACE does. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), on the other hand, is focused on assessing depressive symptoms rather than cognitive decline, making it unsuitable for the question's intent.