Concurrent validity of the GMS-AGECAT (A3) package in a Danish nursing home population

To validate the Danish version of the GMS-AGECAT (A3), the Standardized Mini Mental State Examination (SMMSE) and the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) by comparing them to clinical ICD-10 criteria in a Danish nursing home population.

With a participation of 91%, the study included 100 residents. All residents were interviewed with the GMS-AGECAT (A3), SMMSE and GDS-15 by an MD and then blindly diagnosed by a consultant geriatric psychiatrist. All residents approached for an interview were included, also those who were not able to communicate (the non-accessibles).

The prevalence of clinical psychiatric ICD-10 main diagnoses was 56%. The non-accessibles had significantly higher psychiatric morbidity and lower ADL scores (modified Barthel ADL index) compared to those who were able to communicate. With the non-accessibles (N = 100) included, the optimal screening and diagnostic cutpoint for the GMS-AGECAT organic diagnoses was 2/3, with 96% sensitivity, 73% specificity, 77% predictive value of a positive test and 95% predictive value of a negative test. The SMMSE and GDS-15 had better screening properties compared to the GMS-AGECAT but only 60% of the residents were able to complete the SMMSE and 78% were able to complete the GDS-15.

The Danish version of the GMS-AGECAT has relevant diagnostic and screening properties for organic disorders in Danish nursing home populations.