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Reliable change on the Dementia Rating Scale
Otto Pedraza1, Glenn E Smith, Robert J Ivnik
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA. otto.pedraza@mayo.edu
Summary
Reliable change estimates for the Dementia Rating Scale show that a 6-9 point decline indicates cognitive change in older adults. These findings help differentiate true cognitive decline from normal variability in neuropsychological assessments.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Neuropsychological evaluations measure cognitive change over time.
- Change scores can be influenced by measurement error and practice effects.
- Establishing reliable change is crucial for accurate assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative rates of reliable change on the Dementia Rating Scale (DRS).
- To examine change in cognitively normal older adults aged 65+.
- To investigate potential differences in reliable change between European Americans and African Americans.
Main Methods:
- Utilized reliable change estimates on the Dementia Rating Scale.
- Analyzed data from 1080 cognitively normal adults (aged 65+).
- Assessed test-retest intervals of 9-15 months and 16-24 months.
Main Results:
- A 6-point decline (European Americans) or 9-point decline (African Americans) signifies reliable change within 9-15 months.
- A 7-point decline (European Americans) or 8-point decline (African Americans) signifies reliable change within 16-24 months.
- Preliminary cross-validation conducted on a clinical sample.
Conclusions:
- Provided normative data for reliable cognitive change on the DRS in older adults.
- Highlighted potential ethnic differences in reliable change rates.
- Findings support clinical and research applications for tracking cognitive changes.
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