Optimal Approach for Assessing Evidence of Dementia for Research Studies

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neurology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Dementia diagnosis requires reliable and valid measurement tools.
• Existing screening methods may lack comprehensive psychometric validation for research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a process for dementia determination.
• To test the psychometric properties of a dementia measurement model.
• To evaluate the reliability and validity of the proposed model for research.

Main Methods:

• A measurement model incorporating the AD8, Functional Activities Questionnaire, Clinical Dementia Rating Scale, and Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination was developed.
• 346 patients consented, with 176 eligible after screening.
• Psychometric properties, including internal consistency and model fit, were assessed.

Main Results:

• The measurement model demonstrated evidence of reliability through internal consistency.
• Limited error was associated with individual items across all measures.
• Evidence of construct validity was supported by the model's fit.
• Participant demographics: mean age 80.70, 64% female, 66% white, 99% non-Latinx, 67% unmarried.

Conclusions:

• The four-measure model is recommended for comprehensive dementia assessment in research.
• The model offers a pragmatic approach to identifying dementia evidence.
• The validated model supports robust dementia research participant selection.