Psychometric assessment of dementia in clinical practice

Author(s): Szecsey, A., Stohr, H.

Journal/Book: Z Gerontol Geriatrie. 1998; 31: Platz der Deutschen Einheit 25, D-64293 Darmstadt, Germany. Dr Dietrich Steinkopff Verlag. 281-285.

Abstract: An extensive battery of cognitive tests is conducted to detect dementia in geriatric patients. Based on the ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for dementia the diagnosis includes cognitive deficits such as memory impairment and other cognitive disturbances in various stages. To establish a profile of cognitive deficits and to detect early stages of dementia a combination of psychometric tests has proven to be effective and valid (MMSE, SKT, SIDAM, GDS/BCRS, clock drawing). To evaluate interrelations between these tests, correlations of total scores among 40 randomly chosen geriatric patients were calculated for all tests using the Spearman rank-order correlation. The cognitive test battery appears to be a reliable instrument for diagnosing people with dementia. Due to advantages and shortcomings of each test in evaluating various stages of dementia adequately, a combination of tests should be used.

Note: Article Gurtler K, Univ Regensburg, Psychiat Klin, Bezirksklinikum, Univ Str 84, D-93042 Regensburg, GERMANY

Keyword(s): dementia; psychometric tests; cognitive disorders; geriatric patients; clinical evaluation; VERSION

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