A comprehensive atlas of dementia assessment tools: From bedside screening to artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics

ABSTRACT Dementia is a multidimensional syndrome marked by cognitive, behavioral, functional, and social decline, with over 55 million people affected globally. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most recognized subtype, non-Alzheimer variants such as frontotemporal, vascular, and Lewy body dementia present distinct profiles requiring targeted assessment. Traditional tools like the Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment are limited in detecting early-stage or nonmemory impairments. This review provides a concise synthesis of validated dementia assessment tools across key domains: cognitive screening, neuropsychological batteries, functional staging, behavioral symptom evaluation, social-emotional assessments, and emerging digital and artificial intelligence (AI)-based diagnostics. Each instrument is appraised for clinical utility, psychometric robustness, cultural adaptability, and application context. By integrating conventional and contemporary methods, the review offers clinicians and researchers a practical guide for personalized, domain-specific dementia evaluation. Emphasis is placed on balancing diagnostic sensitivity with feasibility, especially in diverse clinical environments. The inclusion of computerized and AI-driven platforms highlights the field’s transition toward scalable, remote-capable solutions. A multidomain approach remains essential to accurately characterize dementia subtypes and support informed care decisions.