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Tsiakiri A, Trypsiani I, Christidi F, Trypsianis G, Bakirtzis C, Vlotinou P, Tsiptsios D, Voskou P, Papageorgiou S, Aggelousis N, Vadikolias K, Serdari A. The testamentary capacity in acute stroke. A cross-sectional study. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38447221 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2024.2324126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Succession law, which governs the creation and validity of wills, is closely tied to testamentary capacity (TC), the cognitive competence required for a valid will. This study explores TC in acute stroke patients and its connections to demographic and clinical characteristics. The research included first-time stroke patients admitted within 24 hours of symptom onset, meeting specific criteria. Data were collected, and assessment tools like the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III) and Testamentary Capacity Assessment Tool (TCAT) were used. The study found that TCAT scores were not significantly affected by age or gender but positively correlated with education, the Barthel Index and ACE-III scores. They were negatively associated with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. Specific cognitive domains, particularly memory and attention, were independent determinants of TCAT scores. This research introduces TCAT as a valuable tool for evaluating testamentary capacity in stroke patients and highlights the multifaceted nature of TC, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach. As the population ages and complex medical conditions become more prevalent, understanding the interplay between cognitive functioning and testamentary capacity becomes increasingly crucial for both legal and medical professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tsiakiri
- Neurology Department, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioanna Trypsiani
- Neurology Department, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Foteini Christidi
- Neurology Department, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Gregory Trypsianis
- Laboratory of Medical Statistics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Christos Bakirtzis
- B' Department of Neurology and the MS Center, AHEPA University Hospital, Central Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Vlotinou
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tsiptsios
- Neurology Department, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Panagiota Voskou
- Cognitive Disorders/Dementia Unit, 2nd Department of Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sokratis Papageorgiou
- Cognitive Disorders/Dementia Unit, 2nd Department of Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Aggelousis
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
| | | | - Aspasia Serdari
- Department of Child and Adolescent, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Martin RC, Gerstenecker A, Hebert K, Triebel K, Marson D. Assessment of Testamentary Capacity in Older Adults: Description and Initial Validation of a Standardized Interview Instrument. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2022; 37:1133-1147. [PMID: 35596954 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Testamentary capacity (TC) is a legal construct, which concerns a person's mental capacity to make or amend a will. Although expert clinicians are frequently asked to assess TC in forensic settings, there are few instruments and little empirical research to inform and guide their assessments. The present study describes the development and psychometric properties of a standardized assessment measure of TC (Testamentary Capacity Instrument-TCI), and investigates its reliability and validity. METHODS The TCI is an interview-based, psychometric measure, which assesses a testator's knowledge of four conceptual elements, which together comprise the legal basis for TC in the Anglo-American legal system: (1) what a will is, (2) nature and extent of assets/property, (3) possible heirs/claimants to property, and (4) plan to distribute assets to heirs after death. Cronbach's alpha and percentage exact agreement were used to examine TCI element reliabilities. Using independent samples t-tests, MANOVA and MANCOVA, we investigated validity by comparing TCI element performance of cognitively intact older adults (n = 22) and older adults with ad dementia (n = 20). RESULTS The TCI elements showed good internal consistency and good inter-rater reliability. The ad group performed significantly below the control group on all four TCI elements, with effect sizes exceeding 1.2, suggesting that the TCI has content and construct validity. CONCLUSIONS Relative to cognitively intact older adults, older adults with ad dementia showed significant impairment on all four TCI conceptual elements. The TCI has promise as a standardized quantitative measure of TC to support clinical assessment of TC in forensic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy C Martin
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.,Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.,Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Adam Gerstenecker
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.,Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.,Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Katina Hebert
- Birmingham Veterans Administration Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Kristen Triebel
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.,Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.,Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Daniel Marson
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.,Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.,Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Bolognini N, Gramegna C, Esposito A, Aiello EN, Difonzo T, Zago S. The Testamentary Capacity Assessment Tool (TCAT): validation and normative data. Neurol Sci 2021; 43:2831-2838. [PMID: 34787752 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05736-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increasing need for objective and standardized assessment of testamentary capacity (TC) in dementia. A new instrument, the Testamentary Capacity Assessment Tool (TCAT), has been recently developed; however, the lack of validation and normative data regarding this cognitive screening test has limited its adoption in forensic and clinical settings. The present study collects normative data for the TCAT and assesses its convergent validity with standardized cognitive tests and the capacity to define what a 'testament' is. METHODS The study involved 323 neurologically healthy adults (123 males, 200 females) of different ages (31-93 years) and different educational levels (4-25 years). The TCAT was administered along with the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and the Testament Definition Scale (TDS). RESULTS Multiple regression analyses revealed a significant effect for gender, age and education on TCAT scores. Correlation analyses showed significant associations between the TCAT and the MMSE, MoCA, FAB and BDI-II. A positive correlation between the TCAT and TDS was also found, proving good convergent validity of the TCAT with respect to TC. Finally, cut-off scores and Equivalent Scores (ES) were computed. DISCUSSION The present study provides normative data for using the TCAT as an adjuvant cognitive screening test in the neuropsychological evaluation of TC. Our findings shall be of interest for the adoption of the TCAT also in clinical practice, since it evaluates cognitive functions (e.g., autobiographic memory, Theory of Mind) not measured by traditional screening tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Bolognini
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy. .,Neuropsychological Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Chiara Gramegna
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Edoardo Nicolò Aiello
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Teresa Difonzo
- U.O.C. Di Neurologia, IRCCS Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Zago
- U.O.C. Di Neurologia, IRCCS Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The syndromes of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild neurocognitive disorder (MiND), often prodromal to dementia (Major Neurocognitive Disorder), are characterized by acquired clinically significant changes in one or more cognitive domains despite preserved independence. Mild impairment has significant medicolegal consequences for an affected person and their care system. We review the more common etiologies of MiND and provide a systematic review of its medicolegal implications. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the peer-reviewed English literature on medicolegal aspects of MCI or MiND using comprehensive search terms and expanding our review to include sources cited by these reports. RESULTS Impairment of memory, executive function, social cognition, judgment, insight or abstraction can alter an individual's abilities in a variety of areas that include decision making, informed consent, designation of a surrogate decision-maker such as a health care proxy, understanding and management of financial affairs, execution of a will, or safe driving. CONCLUSION Even mild cognitive impairment can have significant behavioral consequences. Clinicians can assist care partners and persons with MCI or MiND by alerting them to the medicolegal concerns that often accompany cognitive decline. Early recognition and discussion can help a care system manage medicolegal risk more effectively and promote thoughtful advance planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Bejenaru
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Christiana Care, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - James M Ellison
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Christiana Care, Wilmington, DE, USA.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, Christiana Care, Wilmington, DE, USA.,Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Fernandes C, Macedo I, Barbosa F, Marques-Teixeira J. Economic decision-making in the continuum between healthy aging and Alzheimer's Disease: A systematic review of 20 years of research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:1243-1263. [PMID: 34715151 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The effect of pathological aging on economic decision-making is a topic of major relevance as impairments in this domain place older adults at increased risk for financial abuse. This review aims to characterize decision-making across the continuum that goes from healthy aging to Alzheimer's Dementia. We included 42 studies comparing patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and healthy older adults, patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and healthy older adults, and patients with MCI and patients with AD. Substantial evidence emerged suggesting that both MCI as AD affect economic decision-making. However, a non-negligible number of behavioural tasks failed to find significant differences between patients and controls, and no differences were reported between patients with MCI and AD. On the contrary, measures of financial capacity reached more robust findings, showing that healthy older adults had better performance than patients, while MCI patients showed better performance than AD patients. This review presents the main conclusions that may be drawn from significant findings, as well as the hypotheses and recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Fernandes
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal.
| | - Inês Macedo
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - João Marques-Teixeira
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal
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Zago S, Bolognini N. Neuropsychological autopsy of testamentary capacity: Methodology and issues in the elderly. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-ADULT 2020; 29:570-583. [PMID: 32687452 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2020.1791869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The forensic assessment of testamentary capacity is a topical issue given the prevalence of dementia illnesses and the increase in the complexity of modern financial and family structures. Although a contemporaneous assessment would be desirable, the majority of situations require a retrospective assessment of the mental state a deceased individual. Neuropsychologists, independently or as part of a board of consultants, are, therefore, frequently requested to give an expert opinion of the competence of cognitively impaired elderly testators.This paper offers a guide for carrying out a neuropsychological autopsy, namely the process of posthumous evaluation, for determining testamentary capacity. Taking into account the recent literature on the assessment of testamentary capacity, we propose a three-phase procedure for carrying out the neuropsychological autopsy in the forensic context. The neuropsychological autopsy of testamentary capacity is based on the meticulous, chronologically structured evaluation of any medical documents, available psychometric data, along with the critical examination of any source of information about the cognitive level of functioning of the deceased person at the time of the will.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Zago
- U.O.C. di Neurologia, IRCCS Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Nadia Bolognini
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi Milano-Bicocca di Milano, Milano, Italy.,Neuropsychological Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy
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Abstract
End-of-life decision-making in patients with dementia is a complex topic. Belgium and the Netherlands have been at the forefront of legislative advancement and progressive societal changes concerning the perspectives toward physician-assisted death (PAD). Careful consideration of clinical and social aspects is essential during the end-of-life decision-making process in patients with dementia. Geriatric assent provides the physician, the patient and his family the opportunity to end life with dignity. Unbearable suffering, decisional competence, and awareness of memory deficits are among the clinical considerations that physicians should incorporate during the end-of-life decision-making process. However, as other societies introduce legislature granting the right of PAD, new social determinants should be considered; Mexico City is an example. Current perspectives regarding advance euthanasia directives (AED) and PAD in patients with dementia are evolving. A new perspective that hinges on the role of the family and geriatric assent should help culturally heterogeneous societies in the transition of their public health care policies regarding end-of-life choices.
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Roche AI. Testing for Testamentary Capacity in the Older Adult: A Model of Ethical Considerations for the Clinical Neuropsychologist. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1905. [PMID: 31507484 PMCID: PMC6714610 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The proportion of the United States population comprised of older adults is consistently growing. Older adults are often involved in making decisions regarding transfer of wealth, and cases involving questions of testamentary capacity are common. Neuropsychologists are well-positioned to perform evaluations of testamentary capacity given their knowledge and expertise surrounding assessment of cognitive and psychological functioning, as well as of neurodegenerative disease related to the aging process. Performing evaluations of testamentary capacity with older adults often comes with complex ethical considerations, however, and neuropsychologists could benefit from a decision-making model to aid in the organization of these multifaceted issues at the clinical-legal interface. The current paper proposes the implementation of Behnke’s “four bin” model to aid in the exploration of these complex ethical considerations and provides examples of how the model may be applied through two hypothetical case vignettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne I Roche
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Mondragón JD, Salame L, Kraus A, De Deyn PP. Clinical Considerations in Physician-Assisted Death for Probable Alzheimer's Disease: Decision-Making Capacity, Anosognosia, and Suffering. Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra 2019; 9:217-226. [PMID: 31275347 PMCID: PMC6600029 DOI: 10.1159/000500183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Requests for physician-assisted death (PAD) in patients with cognitive impairment are complex and require careful consideration. Of particular difficulty is determination of whether the request is voluntary and well considered. Results Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (PAS) are both legal in The Netherlands, Luxemburg, Colombia, and Canada. Euthanasia is legal in Belgium, while PAS is legal in Switzerland and Oregon, Washington, Montana, Vermont, and California (USA). Upon a PAD request, evaluation of the capacity to consent medical treatment is relevant for the decision-making process, while evaluation of testamentary capacity is appropriate before an advance euthanasia directive is written. Anosognosia assessment throughout the Alzheimer's disease continuum provides essential and relevant information regarding the voluntary and well-considered nature of the PAD request; meanwhile, early assessment of hypernosognosia or subjective cognitive decline assists in formulation of a clinical prognosis. Furthermore, the assessment of physical and psychological suffering should incorporate verbal and nonverbal cues as well as consideration of the psychosocial factors that might affect due care criteria. Conclusion The clinical approach to a PAD request should consider the legal framework and the decision-making capacity, assess memory deficit awareness and the perception of suffering, and evaluate mental competency when considered pertinent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime D Mondragón
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Alzheimer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Latife Salame
- Unidad de Posgrado, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Department of Internal Medicine, The American British Cowdray Medical Center, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arnoldo Kraus
- Unidad de Posgrado, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Department of Internal Medicine, The American British Cowdray Medical Center, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Peter Paul De Deyn
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Alzheimer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Factors Associated with Having a Will, Power of Attorney, and Advanced Healthcare Directive in Patients Presenting to a Rural and Remote Memory Clinic. Can J Neurol Sci 2019; 46:319-330. [PMID: 30907330 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2019.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A Will, Power of Attorney, and Advanced Healthcare Directive are critical to guide decision-making in patients with dementia. We identified characteristics that are associated with the existence of these documents in patients who presented to a rural and remote memory clinic (RRMC). METHODS Ninety-five consecutive patients were included in this study. Patients and caregivers completed questionnaires on initial presentation to the RRMC and patients were asked if they had legal documents. Patients also completed neuropsychological testing. Statistical analysis (t-test and χ2 test) was performed to identify significant variables. RESULTS Seventy (73.7%) patients had a Will, 62 (65.3%) had a Power of Attorney, and 21 (22.1%) had an Advanced Healthcare Directive. Having a Will was associated with good quality of life (p = 0.001), living alone or with a spouse or partner only (p = 0.034), poor verbal fluency (p = 0.055), and European ethnicity (p = 0.028). Factors associated with having a Power of Attorney included good quality of life (p = 0.031), living alone or with a spouse or partner only (p = 0.053), and poor verbal fluency (p = 0.015). Old age (p = 0.015), poor verbal fluency (p = 0.023), and greater severity of cognitive and functional impairment (p = 0.023) were associated with having an Advanced Healthcare Directive. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that poor quality of life, good performance on verbal fluency, Indigenous ethnicity, and living with others are associated with a lower likelihood of legal documents in patients with dementia. These factors can help physicians identify patients at risk of leaving their legal affairs unattended to. Physicians should discuss the creation of legal documents early on in patients with signs of dementia.
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