A nursing tool validated as an effective measure over MMSE and FAB in dementia

To evaluate the clinical use of the Abilities Assessment Instrument (AAI) when used together with Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), thus examining the concurrent validity of the instrument. Also, to evaluate the effect of a learning program administered for elders with dementia.

Fourteen older people, who were afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, were invited into a learning program. Measures were taken at baseline, at 3 months and 6 months to see the effects of the program. Instruments used in the study were the AAI, the MMSE and the FAB.

There were statistically significant differences measured by the Japanese version of the AAI in the subjects' abilities to perform the learning tasks between 3 and 6 months after intervention. No statistical significant differences were noted at any points in time measured by the MMSE or the FAB.

The translated AAI promises to be a valid instrument for nurses' use in their day-to-day assessment of Japanese elders. The AAI appears also to be useful in learning programs with this population, and may have value as a screening tool.