Assessment of instrumental activities of daily living in dementia: diagnostic value of the Amsterdam Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire

Instrumental activities of daily living in neuro-oncology: International validation of the EORTC IADL-BN32 questionnaire

BACKGROUND

Neurocognitive impairments are common in patients with a brain tumour, and may negatively impact on functioning in daily life, particularly on instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The EORTC IADL-BN32 questionnaire was developed to measure IADL in this patient population.

METHODS

In this international validation study, we evaluated the EORTC IADL-BN32 questionnaire on several psychometric properties in a large sample of patients with a primary or metastatic brain tumour. We administered the 32-item questionnaire three times: at 'baseline', after 2 weeks and after 3 months. Procedures were in accordance with EORTC Quality of Life Group module development guidelines.

RESULTS

In total, 326 patients participated in the study. A bifactor scale structure showed satisfactory model fit measures, with five multi-item scales and two single items, and an IADL sum score. The internal consistency of the multi-item scales ranged from good to excellent (range Cronbach's α: 0.86-0.97). We found significant differences in scale scores between patients with and without neurocognitive impairments or complaints, supporting the construct validity. Initial cross-cultural validity analyses showed indications of item response biases for certain items. Analyses indicated moderate to good test-retest agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.70) between baseline and the 2-week follow-up assessment for all but one scale. Deterioration of EORTC IADL-BN32 scale scores were consistent with clinically relevant deterioration on other functional measures with small to large effect sizes, however, subgroup sample sizes were small.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the EORTC IADL-BN32 questionnaire exhibited adequate to excellent psychometric properties. Cross-cultural validity and responsiveness should be further explored.

Facilitating clinical use of the Amsterdam Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire: Normative data and a diagnostic cutoff value

OBJECTIVE

The Amsterdam Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (A-IADL-Q) is well validated and commonly used to assess difficulties in everyday functioning regarding dementia. To facilitate interpretation and clinical implementation across different European countries, we aim to provide normative data and a diagnostic cutoff for dementia.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from Dutch Brain Research Registry (N = 1,064; mean (M) age = 62 ± 11 year; 69.5% female), European Medial Information Framework-Alzheimer's Disease 90 + (N = 63; Mage = 92 ± 2 year; 52.4% female), and European Prevention of Alzheimer's Dementia Longitudinal Cohort Study (N = 247; Mage = 63 ± 7 year; 72.1% female) were used. The generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape framework were used to obtain normative values (Z-scores). The beta distribution was applied, and combinations of age, sex, and educational attainment were modeled. The optimal cutoff for dementia was calculated using area under receiver operating curves (AUC-ROC) and Youden Index, using data from Amsterdam Dementia Cohort (N = 2,511, Mage = 64 ± 8 year, 44.4% female).

RESULTS

The best normative model accounted for a cubic-like decrease of IADL performance with age that was more pronounced in low compared to medium/high educational attainment. The cutoff for dementia was 1.85 standard deviation below the population mean (AUC = 0.97; 95% CI [0.97-0.98]).

CONCLUSION

We provide regression-based norms for A-IADL-Q and a diagnostic cutoff for dementia, which help improve clinical assessment of IADL performance across European countries.

Frontotemporal-spectrum disorders and functional independence in non-demented ALS patients

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed at determining whether, net of motor confounders, neuropsychological features affect functional independence (FI) in activities of daily living (ADLs) in non-demented amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients.

METHODS

N = 88 ALS patients without frontotemporal dementia were assessed for FI-Katz's Basic ADL Scale (BADL) and Lawton-Brody's Instrumental ADL Scale (IADL)-, cognition-Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen (ECAS)-and behaviour-Beaumont Behavioural Inventory and Dimensional Apathy Scale. The association between cognitive and behavioural measures and BADL/IADL scores was assessed by covarying for demographics, anxiety and depression levels, disease duration and motor confounders-i.e. ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) scores, progression rate and both King's and Milano-Torino stages.

RESULTS

Higher scores on the ECAS-Language were associated with higher IADL scores (p = 0.005), whilst higher apathetic features-as measured by the Dimensional Apathy Scale (DAS)-were inversely related to the BADL (p = 0.003). Whilst IADL scores were related to all ECAS-Language tasks, the DAS-Initiation was the only subscale associated with BADL scores. Patients with abnormal ECAS-Language (p = 0.023) and DAS (p = 0.008) scores were more functionally dependent than those without.

DISCUSSION

Among non-motor features, language changes and apathetic features detrimentally affect FI in non-demented ALS patients.

Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living for Greek-Speaking Adults with Cognitive Impairment: A Psychometric Evaluation Study with Additional Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve Analysis

One of the components of a dementia diagnosis is the assessment of functional abilities. These abilities are measured via screeners, such as the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale. The IADL scale is a valid tool that has been adapted in many languages. This study aimed to provide a cut-off point and validate the Greek version of the IADL scale in populations with cognitive impairment. IADL data were collected from 132 individuals: 24 PD patients, 24 Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) patients, and 24 AD patients. The remaining 60 participants were cognitive healthy adults (CHAs). The CHA group and the PD group served as the cognitively unimpaired group (CUG), while the PDD and AD groups served as the cognitively impaired group (CIG). Additionally, the MMSE, the AMTS, the Clock Drawing Test CDT, the Arizona Battery for Communication Disorders of Dementia (ABCD), the NPI, and the GDS-15 were administered to the participants. Statistically significant differences in the IADL scores were exhibited between all subgroups. The IADL scale showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.890). A threshold equal to 6.00 (AUC = 0.888, p < 0.001) was estimated between the CUG and the CIG. Significant positive correlations were observed between IADL and MMSE (r = 0.764, p < 0.001), IADL and AMTS (r = 0.724, p < 0.001), IADL and ABCD (r = 0.702, p < 0.001), and IADL and CDT (r = 0.627, p < 0.001) results. Given the obtained results, the IADL scale is a valid tool for clinical use with high reliability and sensitivity. Also, the IADL scale is a valuable instrument for screening functional abilities associated with cognitive impairment.

Patient-related benefits of amyloid PET imaging in dementia: Rationale and design of the German randomized coverage with evidence development study ENABLE

The utility of amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) for the etiological diagnosis of dementia and its impact on functional status of patients in routine care are currently unclear. Here, we describe the design of ENABLE, a randomized controlled two-armed coverage with evidence development (CED) study in Germany. Approximately 1126 patients with mild to moderate dementia of unclear etiology will be randomly assigned to either an amyloid PET or a no amyloid PET group. Patients will be followed-up for 24 months. The study has been registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00030839) with the registration code DRKS00030839. The primary endpoint of ENABLE is the ability to perform functional activities of daily living at 18 months. Secondary endpoints include change in diagnosis, diagnostic confidence, and cognitive and clinical outcomes of patients. We expect that the CED study ENABLE will inform about patient relevant effects of amyloid PET in routine care. Furthermore, we anticipate that ENABLE will support physicians' and payers' decisions on provision of health care for patients with dementia.

Highlights

Study design focuses on the usefulness of amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) in routine care.Study design addresses the patient-relevant effect of amyloid PET.Patient representatives were involved in the creation of the study design.The study will help improve routine care for people with dementia.

Outcome measures for Alzheimer's disease: A global inter-societal Delphi consensus

INTRODUCTION

We aim to provide guidance on outcomes and measures for use in patients with Alzheimer's clinical syndrome.

METHODS

A consensus group of 20 voting members nominated by 10 professional societies, and a non-voting chair, used a Delphi approach and modified GRADE criteria.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached on priority outcomes (n = 66), measures (n = 49) and statements (n = 37) across nine domains. A number of outcomes and measurement instruments were ranked for: Cognitive abilities; Functional abilities/dependency; Behavioural and neuropsychiatric symptoms; Patient quality of life (QoL); Caregiver QoL; Healthcare and treatment-related outcomes; Medical investigations; Disease-related life events; and Global outcomes.

DISCUSSION

This work provides indications on the domains and ideal pertinent measurement instruments that clinicians may wish to use to follow patients with cognitive impairment. More work is needed to develop instruments that are more feasible in the context of the constraints of clinical routine.

Occupational Therapist Led Cognitive Stimulation Therapy: Feasibility of Implementation

Background. Despite local training opportunities for Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) for occupational therapists, there has been limited evaluation of the feasibility of implementation in Canada. Purpose. This study explored the feasibility of CST delivery by an occupational therapist in an Ontario health care setting and the impact it may have on self-efficacy and hope measures of individuals with dementia. Methods. A mixed-methods experimental pre/post design was used. Survey measures included hope, self-efficacy, feasibility, satisfaction, and individual session evaluation. Semistructured focus groups were held for participants and facilitators. Findings. Quantitative findings are summarized descriptively for the 10 participants. Qualitative findings were grouped into themes: social connectedness, knowledge gained and shared, tailored implementation adjustments, and need for long-term programing. Implications. Occupational therapists are well-positioned to implement CST and should be a part of further research to test the intervention rigorously for applicability within a range of Canadian health care settings.

Everyday Functioning in a Community-Based Volunteer Population: Differences Between Participant- and Study Partner-Report

Introduction: Impaired awareness in dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease and related disorders made study partner-report the preferred method of measuring interference in "instrumental activities of daily living" (IADL). However, with a shifting focus toward earlier disease stages and prevention, the question arises whether self-report might be equally or even more appropriate. The aim of this study was to investigate how participant- and study partner-report IADL perform in a community-based volunteer population without dementia and which factors relate to differences between participant- and study partner-report. Methods: Participants (N = 3,288; 18-97 years, 70.4% females) and their study partners (N = 1,213; 18-88 years, 45.8% females) were recruited from the Dutch Brain Research Registry. IADL were measured using the Amsterdam IADL Questionnaire. The concordance between participant- and study partner-reported IADL difficulties was examined using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Multinomial logistic regressions were used to investigate which demographic, cognitive, and psychosocial factors related to participant and study partner differences, by looking at the over- and underreport of IADL difficulties by the participant, relative to their study partner. Results: Most A-IADL-Q scores represented no difficulties for both participants (87.9%) and study partners (89.4%). The concordance between participants and study partners was moderate (ICC = 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.51, 0.59]); 24.5% (N = 297) of participants overreported their IADL difficulties compared with study partners, and 17.8% (N = 216) underreported difficulties. The presence of depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 1.31, 95% CI = [1.12, 1.54]), as well as memory complaints (OR = 2.45, 95% CI = [1.80, 3.34]), increased the odds of participants overreporting their IADL difficulties. Higher IADL ratings decreased the odds of participant underreport (OR = 0.71, 95% CI = [0.67, 0.74]). Conclusion: In this sample of community-based volunteers, most participants and study partners reported no major IADL difficulties. Differences between participant and study partner were, however, quite prevalent, with subjective factors indicative of increased report of IADL difficulties by the participant in particular. These findings suggest that self- and study partner-report measures may not be interchangeable, and that the level of awareness needs to be considered, even in cognitively healthy individuals.

Informant-based tools for assessment and monitoring of cognition, behavior, and function in neurocognitive disorders: Systematic review and report from a CCCDTD5 Working Group

OBJECTIVE

As part of the fifth Canadian Consensus Conference on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia, we assessed the literature on informant-based tools for assessment and monitoring of cognition, behavior, and function in neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinicians and researchers.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards guidelines. Publications that validated the informant-based tools or described their key properties were reviewed. Quality of the studies was assessed using the modified Quality Assessment tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies.

RESULTS

Out of 386 publications identified through systematic search, 34 that described 19 informant-based tools were included in the final review. Most of these tools are backed by good-quality studies and are appropriate to use in clinical care or research. The tools vary in their psychometric properties, domains covered, comprehensiveness, completion time, and ability to detect longitudinal change. Based on these properties, we identify different tools that may be appropriate for primary care, specialized memory clinic, or research settings. We also identify barriers to use of these tools in routine clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

There are several good-quality tools available to collect informant-report for assessment and monitoring of cognition, behavior, or function in patients with NCDs. Clinicians and researchers may choose a particular tool based on their specific needs such as domains of interest, desired psychometric properties, and feasibility. Further work is needed to make the tools more user-friendly and to adopt them into routine clinical care.

Cognitive functioning in everyday life: The development of a questionnaire on instrumental activities of daily living in multiple sclerosis

Neuropsychological test scores in people with MS (PwMS) do not fully reflect cognitive functioning in daily life. Therefore, we developed a questionnaire based on instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), using the Amsterdam IADL-Q^© for Alzheimer’s disease as starting point. Forty-eight items were evaluated on relevance and clarity by (inter)national experts (n = 30), PwMS (n = 61) and proxies (n = 30). Consequently, four items were omitted, two items were merged and seven items were added. Fifty items were included in the IADL questionnaire specific to cognitive functioning in MS (the MS-IADL-Q). Future studies are warranted to assess the psychometric properties of the MS-IADL-Q.

Development of an EORTC questionnaire measuring instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in patients with brain tumours: phase I-III

PURPOSE

Being able to function independently in society is an important aspect of quality of life. This ability goes beyond self-care, requires higher order cognitive functioning, and is typically measured with instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) questionnaires. Cognitive deficits are frequently observed in brain tumour patients, however, IADL is almost never assessed because no valid and reliable IADL measure is available for this patient group. Therefore, this measure is currently being developed.

METHODS

This international multicentre study followed European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group module development guidelines. Three out of four phases are completed: phases (I) generation of items, (II) construction of the item list, and (III) pre-testing. This paper reports the item selection procedures and preliminary psychometric properties of the questionnaire. Brain tumour patients (gliomas and brain metastases), their informal caregivers, and health care professionals (HCPs) were included.

RESULTS

Phase I (n = 44 patient-proxy dyads and 26 HCPs) generated 59 relevant and important activities. In phase II, the activities were converted into items. In phase III (n = 85 dyads), the 59 items were pre-tested. Item selection procedures resulted in 32 items. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a preliminary dimensional structure consisting of five scales with acceptable to excellent internal consistency (α = 0.73-0.94) and two single items. For three scales, patients with cognitive impairments had significantly more IADL problems than patients without impairments.

CONCLUSION

A phase IV validation study is needed to confirm the psychometric properties of the EORTC IADL-BN32 questionnaire in a larger international sample.

Enhancing 'meaningfulness' of functional assessments: UK adaptation of the Amsterdam IADL questionnaire

OBJECTIVE

Commonly used measures of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) do not capture activities for a technologically advancing society. This study aimed to adapt the proxy/informant-based Amsterdam IADL Questionnaire (A-IADL-Q) for use in the UK and develop a self-report version.

DESIGN

An iterative mixed method cross-cultural adaptation of the A-IADL-Q and the development of a self-report version involving a three-step design: (1) interviews and focus groups with lay and professional stakeholders to assess face and content validity; (2) a questionnaire to measure item relevance to older adults in the U.K.; (3) a pilot of the adapted questionnaire in people with cognitive impairment.

SETTING

Community settings in the UK.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and forty-eight participants took part across the three steps: (1) 14 dementia professionals; 8 people with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia due to Alzheimer's disease; and 6 relatives of people with MCI or dementia; (2) 92 older adults without cognitive impairment; and (3) 28 people with SCD or MCI.

MEASUREMENTS

The cultural relevance and applicability of the A-IADL-Q scale items were assessed using a 6-point Likert scale. Cognitive and functional performance was measured using a battery of cognitive and functional measures.

RESULTS

Iterative modifications to the scale resulted in a 55-item adapted version appropriate for UK use (A-IADL-Q-UK). Pilot data revealed that the new and revised items performed well. Four new items correlated with the weighted average score (Kendall's Tau -.388, -.445, -.497, -.569). An exploratory analysis of convergent validity found correlations in the expected direction with cognitive and functional measures.

CONCLUSION

The A-IADL-Q-UK provides a measurement of functional decline for use in the UK that captures culturally relevant activities. A new self-report version has been developed and is ready for testing. Further evaluation of the A-IADL-Q-UK for construct validity is now needed.

CCCDTD5 recommendations on early and timely assessment of neurocognitive disorders using cognitive, behavioral, and functional scales

INTRODUCTION

Earlier diagnosis of neurocognitive disorders and neurodegenerative disease is needed to implement preventative interventions, minimize harm, and reduce risk of exploitation in the context of undetected disease. Along the spectrum from subjective cognitive decline (SCD) to dementia, evidence continues to emerge with respect to detection, staging, and monitoring. Updates to previous guidelines are required for clinical practice.

METHODS

A subcommittee of the 5th Canadian Consensus Conference on Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia (CCCDTD) reviewed emerging evidence to address the following: (1) Is there a role for screening at-risk patients without clinical concerns? In what context is assessment for dementia appropriate? (2) What tools can be used to evaluate patients in whom cognitive decline is suspected? (3) What important information can be gained from an informant, using which measures? (4) What instruments can be used to get more in-depth information to diagnose mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia? (5) What is the approach to those with cognitive concerns but without objective changes (ie, SCD)? (6) How do we track response to treatment and change over time? The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system was used to rate quality of the evidence and strength of the recommendations.

RESULTS

We recommend instruments to assess and monitor cognition, behavior, and function across the cognitive spectrum, including reports from patient and informant. We recommend against screening asymptomatic older adults but recommend investigation for self- or informant reports of changes in cognition, emergence of behavioral or psychiatric symptoms, or decline in function or self-care. Standardized assessments should be used for cognitive and behavioral change that have sufficient validity for use in clinical practice.

DISCUSSION

The CCCDTD5 provides evidence-based recommendations for detection, assessment, and monitoring of neurocognitive disorders. Although these guidelines were developed for use in Canada, they may also be useful in other jurisdictions.

Decline in cognitively complex everyday activities accelerates along the Alzheimer's disease continuum

BACKGROUND

Impairment in daily functioning is a clinical hallmark of dementia. Difficulties with "instrumental activities of daily living" (IADL) seem to increase gradually over the course of Alzheimer's disease (AD), before dementia onset. However, it is currently not well established how difficulties develop along the preclinical and prodromal stages of AD. We aimed to investigate the trajectories of decline in IADL performance, as reported by a study partner, along the early stages of AD.

METHODS

In a longitudinal multicenter study, combining data from community-based and memory clinic cohorts, we included 1555 individuals (mean age 72.5 ± 7.8 years; 50% female) based on availability of amyloid biomarkers, longitudinal IADL data, and clinical information at baseline. Median follow-up duration was 2.1 years. All amyloid-positive participants (n = 982) were classified into the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) clinical stages ranging from preclinical AD (1) to overt dementia (4+). Cognitively normal amyloid-negative individuals (n = 573) served as a comparison group. The total scores of three study-partner reported IADL questionnaires were standardized.

RESULTS

The rate of decline in cognitively normal (stage 1) individuals with and without abnormal amyloid did not differ (p = .453). However, from stage 2 onwards, decline was significantly faster in individuals on the AD continuum (B [95%CI] = - 0.32 [- 0.55, - 0.09], p = .007). The rate of decline increased with each successive stage: one standard deviation (SD) unit per year in stage 3 (- 1.06 [- 1.27, - 0.85], p < .001) and nearly two SD units per year in stage 4+ (1.93 [- 2.19, - 1.67], p < .001). Overall, results were similar between community-based and memory clinic study cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the rate of functional decline accelerates along the AD continuum, as shown by steeper rates of decline in each successive NIA-AA clinical stage. These results imply that incremental changes in function are a meaningful measure for early disease monitoring. Combined with the low-cost assessment, this advocates the use of these functional questionnaires for capturing the effects of early AD-related cognitive decline on daily life.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Amsterdam Instrumental Activities of Daily Living questionnaire short version German for Switzerland

Background

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) limitations are associated with reduced health-related quality of life for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). For these people, the assessment of IADL is crucial to the diagnostic process, as well as for the evaluation of new interventions addressing MCI. The Amsterdam IADL Questionnaire Short Version (A-IADL-Q-SV) is an established assessment tool with good psychometric properties that has been shown to be robust to cultural differences in Western countries. The aims of this study were to: (1) cross-culturally adapt and validate the A-IADL-Q-SV for the German-speaking population of Switzerland; (2) investigate its cultural comparability; and (3) evaluate further psychometric properties.

Methods

The A-IADL-Q-SV German was pretested on clinicians and participants in a memory clinic setting. The psychometric properties and cultural comparability of the questionnaire were investigated in memory clinic settings including participants with MCI or mild dementia, as well as participants with normal cognition recruited from the community. Item response theory (IRT) was applied to investigate measurement invariance by means of differential item functioning to assess item bias. Additionally, the test–retest reliability on scale level, the construct validity through hypothesis testing and the discriminant validity of the A-IADL-Q-SV German were evaluated.

Results

Ninety-six informants of participants with normal cognition, MCI or mild dementia completed the A-IADL-Q-SV German. The basic assumptions for IRT scoring were met. No meaningful differential item functioning for culture was detected between the Swiss and Dutch reference samples. High test–retest reliability on scale level (ICC 0.93; 95% CI 0.9–0.96) was found. More than 75% of the observed correlations between the A-IADL-Q-SV German and clinical measures of cognition and functional status were found to be in the direction and of the magnitude hypothesized. The A-IADL-Q-SV German was shown to be able to discriminate between participants with normal cognition and MCI, as well as MCI and mild dementia.

Conclusions

The A-IADL-Q-SV German is a psychometrically robust measurement tool for a Swiss population with normal cognition, MCI and mild dementia. Thus, it provides a valuable tool to assess IADL functioning in clinical practices and research settings in Switzerland.

Trial registration This study was registered retrospectively in July 2019 on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04012398).

The influence of diversity on the measurement of functional impairment: An international validation of the Amsterdam IADL Questionnaire in eight countries

INTRODUCTION

To understand the potential influence of diversity on the measurement of functional impairment in dementia, we aimed to investigate possible bias caused by age, gender, education, and cultural differences.

METHODS

A total of 3571 individuals (67.1 ± 9.5 years old, 44.7% female) from The Netherlands, Spain, France, United States, United Kingdom, Greece, Serbia, and Finland were included. Functional impairment was measured using the Amsterdam Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Questionnaire. Item bias was assessed using differential item functioning (DIF) analysis.

RESULTS

There were some differences in activity endorsement. A few items showed statistically significant DIF. However, there was no evidence of meaningful item bias: Effect sizes were low (ΔR 2 range 0-0.03). Impact on total scores was minimal.

DISCUSSION

The results imply a limited bias for age, gender, education, and culture in the measurement of functional impairment. This study provides an important step in recognizing the potential influence of diversity on primary outcomes in dementia research.

Smartphone technology for fostering goal-directed ambulation and object use in people with moderate Alzheimer's disease

Purpose: This study was aimed at assessing a smartphone-based intervention to help 11 individuals with moderate Alzheimer's disease and ambulation problems to manage goal-directed, walker-assisted ambulation and object use (i.e., to reach specific destinations and put away objects at those destinations independently).Method: The study was carried out according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants. Two measures were recorded, that is, the number of target responses performed correctly (with each target response consisting of reaching a destination and putting away an object), and the number of observation intervals with indices of enjoyment/appreciation (e.g., smiles and positive comments). During baseline, the participants were provided with a walker and three objects that were to be transported to and put away at specific destinations. During the intervention, the participants also had the smartphone-based technology that provided them with instructions about the destinations and objects, praise, and preferred stimulation.Results: During baseline, the mean frequency of correct target responses was virtually zero. The mean frequency of intervals with indices of enjoyment/appreciation ranged from zero to close to one. During the intervention, the mean frequencies for the two measures were slightly below three and just over three, respectively. The maximum frequencies possible were three and four, respectively.Conclusions: A smartphone-based intervention may be suitable to foster goal-directed, walker-assisted ambulation and object use as well as enjoyment/appreciation in participants like those involved in this study.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONA smartphone-based intervention may be used to promote goal-directed, walker-assisted ambulation and object use as well as indices of enjoyment/appreciation in persons with moderate Alzheimer disease.The technology for such intervention might involve (a) a smartphone with Android operating system, light sensor, Bluetooth v4.0, and MacroDroid, (b) Bluetooth headphones or earpieces, and (c) battery-powered light sources.The technology may provide the participants with instructions about the destinations to reach and the objects to put away at those destinations, and with praise and brief periods of preferred stimulation at the target destinations.The technology may be considered easy to access, friendly for the participants, and suitable for use by staff within daily contexts.

Latent class analysis identifies functional decline with Amsterdam IADL in preclinical Alzheimer's disease

Introduction

Trials in Alzheimer's disease (AD) now include participants at the earliest stages to prevent further decline. However, the lack of tools sensitive to subtle functional changes in early-stage AD hinders the development of new therapies as it is difficult to prove their clinical relevance.

Methods

We assessed functional changes over three years in 289 elderly memory complainers from the Investigation of Alzheimer's Predictors in subjective memory complainers cohort using the Amsterdam Instrumental-Activities-of-Daily-Living questionnaire (A-IADL-Q).

Results

No overall functional decline related to AD imaging markers was evidenced. However, five distinct classes of A-IADL-Q trajectories were identified. The largest class (212 [73.4%]) had stable A-IADL-Q scores over 3 years. A second group (23 [8.0%]) showed a persistent functional decline, higher amyloid load (P = .0005), and lower education (P = .0392).

Discussion

The A-IADL-Q identified a subtle functional decline in asymptomatic at-risk AD individuals. This could have important implications in the field of early intervention in AD.

The "rights" of precision drug development for Alzheimer's disease

There is a high rate of failure in Alzheimer's disease (AD) drug development with 99% of trials showing no drug-placebo difference. This low rate of success delays new treatments for patients and discourages investment in AD drug development. Studies across drug development programs in multiple disorders have identified important strategies for decreasing the risk and increasing the likelihood of success in drug development programs. These experiences provide guidance for the optimization of AD drug development. The "rights" of AD drug development include the right target, right drug, right biomarker, right participant, and right trial. The right target identifies the appropriate biologic process for an AD therapeutic intervention. The right drug must have well-understood pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic features, ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, efficacy demonstrated in animals, maximum tolerated dose established in phase I, and acceptable toxicity. The right biomarkers include participant selection biomarkers, target engagement biomarkers, biomarkers supportive of disease modification, and biomarkers for side effect monitoring. The right participant hinges on the identification of the phase of AD (preclinical, prodromal, dementia). Severity of disease and drug mechanism both have a role in defining the right participant. The right trial is a well-conducted trial with appropriate clinical and biomarker outcomes collected over an appropriate period of time, powered to detect a clinically meaningful drug-placebo difference, and anticipating variability introduced by globalization. We lack understanding of some critical aspects of disease biology and drug action that may affect the success of development programs even when the "rights" are adhered to. Attention to disciplined drug development will increase the likelihood of success, decrease the risks associated with AD drug development, enhance the ability to attract investment, and make it more likely that new therapies will become available to those with or vulnerable to the emergence of AD.

Assessing cognition and daily function in early dementia using the cognitive-functional composite: findings from the Catch-Cog study cohort

Background

The cognitive-functional composite (CFC) was designed to improve the measurement of clinically relevant changes in predementia and early dementia stages. We have previously demonstrated its good test-retest reliability and feasibility of use. The current study aimed to evaluate several quality aspects of the CFC, including construct validity, clinical relevance, and suitability for the target population.

Methods

Baseline data of the Capturing Changes in Cognition study was used: an international, prospective cohort study including participants with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The CFC comprises seven existing cognitive tests focusing on memory and executive functions (EF) and the informant-based Amsterdam Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (A-IADL-Q). Construct validity and clinical relevance were assessed by (1) confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) using all CFC subtests and (2) linear regression analyses relating the CFC score (independent) to reference measures of disease severity (dependent), correcting for age, sex, and education. To assess the suitability for the target population, we compared score distributions of the CFC to those of traditional tests (Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive subscale, Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study–Activities of Daily Living scale, and Clinical Dementia Rating scale).

Results

A total of 184 participants were included (age 71.8 ± 8.4; 42% female; n = 14 SCD, n = 80 MCI, n = 78 AD, and n = 12 DLB). CFA showed that the hypothesized three-factor model (memory, EF, and IADL) had adequate fit (CFI = .931, RMSEA = .091, SRMR = .06). Moreover, worse CFC performance was associated with more cognitive decline as reported by the informant (β = .61, p < .001), poorer quality of life (β = .51, p < .001), higher caregiver burden (β = − .51, p < .001), more apathy (β = − .36, p < .001), and less cortical volume (β = .34, p = .02). Whilst correlations between the CFC and traditional measures were moderate to strong (ranging from − .65 to .83, all p < .001), histograms showed floor and ceiling effects for the traditional tests as compared to the CFC.

Conclusions

Our findings illustrate that the CFC has good construct validity, captures clinically relevant aspects of disease severity, and shows no range restrictions in scoring. It therefore provides a more useful outcome measure than traditional tests to evaluate cognition and function in MCI and mild AD.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13195-019-0500-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Maintain Your Brain: Protocol of a 3-Year Randomized Controlled Trial of a Personalized Multi-Modal Digital Health Intervention to Prevent Cognitive Decline Among Community Dwelling 55 to 77 Year Olds

BACKGROUND

Maintain Your Brain (MYB) is a randomized controlled trial of an online multi-modal lifestyle intervention targeting modifiable dementia risk factors with its primary aim being to reduce cognitive decline in an older age cohort.

METHODS

MYB aims to recruit 8,500 non-demented community dwelling 55 to 77 year olds from the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study in New South Wales, Australia. Participants will be screened for risk factors related to four modules that comprise the MYB intervention: physical activity, nutrition, mental health, and cognitive training. Targeting risk factors will enable interventions to be personalized so that participants receive the most appropriate modules. MYB will run for three years and up to four modules will be delivered sequentially each quarter during year one. Upon completing a module, participants will continue to receive less frequent booster activities for their eligible modules (except for the mental health module) until the end of the trial.

DISCUSSION

MYB will be the largest internet-based trial to attempt to prevent cognitive decline and potentially dementia. If successful, MYB will provide a model for not just effective intervention among older adults, but an intervention that is scalable for broad use.

Efficacy of Cognitive Rehabilitation in Alzheimer Disease: A 1-Year Follow-Up Study

INTRODUCTION

The benefit of cognitive rehabilitation (CR) for patients with early-stage Alzheimer disease (AD) remains difficult to assess.

METHOD

An observational, prospective study was conducted in a sample of 52 patients with AD included in a clinical, individualized CR program. Cognitive rehabilitation consisted of 1 weekly session during 3 months at home, followed by 1 monthly contact for 9 months. Rehabilitation techniques were used by experienced therapists to adapt activities important for the patient. Evaluation of patient's dependence in activities and objective and subjective caregiver's burden was performed with a research quantitative scale immediately after the intervention and at 6-month and 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Analyses with repeated measure analysis of variance showed decreased patient's dependence for adapted activities at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Objective and subjective percentage of caregiver's burden was also decreased at all evaluations with our research functional scale, while there was no change on Zarit's burden scale. Global cognition slightly decreased over 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

This observational study in a clinical setting is in line with the benefit of CR for patients with mild AD reported in recent randomized controlled trials. The benefit obtained for adapted activities remained after 1 year, even if global cognition declined. Moreover caregiver's burden related to all individually relevant daily activities (from a list of 98) evaluated within the CR program was decreased after 1 year. Those preliminary results emphasize the importance of choice for the measurement instrument to report CR efficacy and claim for further validation of such tools.

The NutriAct Family Study: a web-based prospective study on the epidemiological, psychological and sociological basis of food choice

BACKGROUND

Most studies on food choice have been focussing on the individual level but familial aspects may also play an important role. This paper reports of a novel study that will focus on the familial aspects of the formation of food choice among men and women aged 50-70 years by recruiting spouses and siblings (NutriAct Family Study; NFS).

METHODS

Data is collected prospectively via repeatedly applied web-based questionnaires over the next years. The recruitment for the NFS started in October 2016. Participants are recruited based on an index person who is actively participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Potsdam study. This index person was asked to invite the spouse, a sibling or an in-law. If a set of family members agreed to participate, access to individualized web-based questionnaires assessing dietary intake, other health related lifestyle habits, eating behaviour, food responsiveness, personality, self-regulation, socio-economic status and socio-cultural values was provided. In the first phase of the NSF, recruitment rates were monitored in detail and participants' comments were analysed in order to improve the feasibility of procedures and instruments.

DISCUSSION

Until August 4th 2017, 4783 EPIC-Participants were contacted by mail of which 446 persons recruited 2 to 5 family members (including themselves) resulting in 1032 participants, of whom 82% had started answering or already completed the questionnaires. Of the 4337 remaining EPIC-participants who had been contacted, 1040 (24%) did not respond at all, and 3297 (76%) responded but declined, in 51% of the cases because of the request to recruit at least 2 family members in the respective age range. The developed recruitment procedures and web-based methods of data collection are capable to generate the required study population including the data on individual and inter-personal determinants which will be linkable to food choice. The information on familial links among the study participants will show the role of familial traits in midlife for the adoption of food choices supporting healthy aging.

Technology-Based Behavioral Interventions for Daily Activities and Supported Ambulation in People With Alzheimer's Disease

OBJECTIVES

These 2 studies evaluated technology-based behavioral interventions for promoting daily activities and supported ambulation in people with mild-to-moderate and moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease, respectively.

METHODS

Study 1 included 8 participants who were taught to start and carry out daily activities on their own using a tablet or smartphone device, which provided activity reminders, step instructions, and praise. Study 2 included 9 participants who were taught to engage in brief periods of ambulation using a walker combined with a tilt microswitch and a notebook computer, which monitored step responses and provided stimulation and prompts.

RESULTS

The participants of study 1 succeeded in starting the activities independently and carrying them out accurately. The participants of study 2 largely increased their ambulation levels and also showed signs of positive involvement (eg, smiles and verbalizations).

CONCLUSION

The aforementioned technology-based interventions may represent practical means for supporting people with Alzheimer's disease.

A qualitative exploration of proxy decision makers' expectations of prescribed medications for people with advanced dementia

Background:

Proxy decision makers often have to make decisions for people with advanced dementia. Their expectations regarding prescribed medications have the potential to influence prescription or withdrawal of medications. However, few studies to date have explored this.

Aim:

To explore proxy decision makers’ expectations of prescribed medications for people with advanced dementia and to consider how these change with changing goals of care and dementia progression.

Design:

This is a qualitative semi-structured interview study.

Setting/participants:

In total, 15 proxy decision makers of people with advanced dementia were recruited via general practitioners ( n = 9), Join Dementia Research ( n = 3) and the Alzheimer’s Society Northern Ireland ( n = 3).

Results:

Five key themes emerged: the role as advocate, attitudes to medicines and medicine taking, uncertainty over the benefit of anti-dementia medications, stopping medications, and communication and decision-making. Proxy decision makers desired more information about prescribed medicines, particularly the indications, benefits and risks of treatment. Despite uncertainty about the benefits of anti-dementia medications, proxy decision makers were reluctant for these medications to be withdrawn. Reluctance to stop other prescribed medicines was also expressed but reduced with changing goals of care and dementia progression. Although some proxy decision makers expected to be involved in medication-related decisions, the majority preferred to delegate these decisions to healthcare professionals. However, they expected to be informed of any medication-related decisions made.

Conclusion:

Proxy decision makers vary in terms of their desire for active involvement in the medication decision-making process. Healthcare professionals should facilitate proxy decision maker involvement if desired. Further research is required to consider the impact of proxy decision maker involvement in decision-making.

Amsterdam Dementia Cohort: Performing Research to Optimize Care

The Alzheimer center of the VU University Medical Center opened in 2000 and was initiated to combine both patient care and research. Together, to date, all patients forming the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort number almost 6,000 individuals. In this cohort profile, we provide an overview of the results produced based on the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort. We describe the main results over the years in each of these research lines: 1) early diagnosis, 2) heterogeneity, and 3) vascular factors. Among the most important research efforts that have also impacted patients' lives and/or the research field, we count the development of novel, easy to use diagnostic measures such as visual rating scales for MRI and the Amsterdam IADL Questionnaire, insight in different subgroups of AD, and findings on incidence and clinical sequelae of microbleeds. Finally, we describe in the outlook how our research endeavors have improved the lives of our patients.

Supporting Simple Activity Engagement in Persons With Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Disease Through a Technology-Aided Program

OBJECTIVES

These 2 studies assessed a technology-aided program to support mild physical exercise or simple occupational activity in participants with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.

METHODS

Study 1 included 11 participants who were to perform a leg-raising response. Study 2 included 10 participants who were to sort objects into different containers. The program ensured that they received positive stimulation contingent on the responses and reminders/prompts after periods of nonresponding. Each study was carried out according to a nonconcurrent multiple baseline design across participants.

RESULTS

The program was successful in supporting mild physical exercise and activity with objects in the 2 groups of participants, respectively. The participants also showed signs of positive involvement (eg, smiles and verbalizations) during the sessions. Moreover, staff personnel rated the program and its impact positively.

CONCLUSION

The program may be considered a practical resource for supporting positive engagement in persons with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.

The need for harmonisation and innovation of neuropsychological assessment in neurodegenerative dementias in Europe: consensus document of the Joint Program for Neurodegenerative Diseases Working Group

Cognitive, behavioural, and functional assessment is crucial in longitudinal studies of neurodegenerative dementias (NDD). Central issues, such as the definition of the study population (asymptomatic, at risk, or individuals with dementia), the detection of change/decline, and the assessment of relevant outcomes depend on quantitative measures of cognitive, behavioural, and functional status.

Currently, we are far from having available reliable protocols and tools for the assessment of dementias in Europe. The main problems are the heterogeneity of the tools used across different European countries, the lack of standardisation of administration and scoring methods across centres, and the limited information available about the psychometric properties of many tests currently in widespread use. This situation makes it hard to compare results across studies carried out in different centres, thus hampering research progress, in particular towards the contribution to a “big data” common data set.

We present here the results of a project funded by the Joint Program for Neurodegenerative Diseases (JPND) and by the Italian Ministry of Health. The project aimed at providing a consensus framework for the harmonisation of assessment tools to be applied to research in neurodegenerative disorders affecting cognition across Europe. A panel of European experts reviewed the current methods of neuropsychological assessment, identified pending issues, and made recommendations for the harmonisation of neuropsychological assessment of neurodegenerative dementias in Europe.

A consensus was achieved on the general recommendations to be followed in developing procedures and tools for neuropsychological assessment, with the aim of harmonising tools and procedures to achieve more reliable data on the cognitive-behavioural examination. The results of this study should be considered as a first step to enhancing a common view and practise on NDD assessment across European countries.

Detecting functional decline from normal aging to dementia: Development and validation of a short version of the Amsterdam IADL Questionnaire

Introduction

Detecting functional decline from normal aging to dementia is relevant for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Therefore, the Amsterdam IADL Questionnaire (A-IADL-Q) was developed: a 70-item proxy-based tool with good psychometric properties. We aimed to design a short version while preserving its psychometric quality.

Methods

Study partners of subjects (n = 1355), ranging from cognitively normal to dementia subjects, completed the original A-IADL-Q. We selected the short version items using a stepwise procedure combining missing data, Item Response Theory, and input from respondents and experts. We investigated internal consistency of the short version and concordance with the original version. To assess its construct validity, we additionally investigated concordance between the short version and the Mini–Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD). Finally, we investigated differences in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scores between diagnostic groups across the dementia spectrum.

Results

We selected 30 items covering the entire spectrum of IADL functioning. Internal consistency (0.98) and concordance with the original version (0.97) were very high. Concordance with the MMSE (0.72) and DAD (0.87) scores was high. IADL impairment scores increased across the spectrum from normal cognition to dementia.

Discussion

The A-IADL-Q short version (A-IADL-Q-SV) consists of 30 items and has maintained the psychometric quality of the original A-IADL-Q. As such, the A-IADL-Q-SV is a concise measure of functional decline.

A composite measure of cognitive and functional progression in Alzheimer's disease: Design of the Capturing Changes in Cognition study

INTRODUCTION

Cognitive testing in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is essential for establishing diagnosis, monitoring progression, and evaluating treatments. Assessments should ideally be brief, reliable, valid, and reflect clinically meaningful changes. There is a lack of instruments that meet all these criteria. In the Capturing Changes in Cognition (Catch-Cog) study, we seek to correct these deficiencies through the development and validation of a composite measure combining cognition and function: the cognitive-functional composite (CFC). We expect that the CFC is able to detect clinically relevant changes over time in early dementia stages of AD.

METHODS/DESIGN

We will include patients (n = 350) with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to AD from memory clinics in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. We will include cognitively healthy volunteers (n = 30) as a control group. The CFC is based on the "cognitive composite" and the Amsterdam instrumental activities of daily living questionnaire. We will investigate test-retest reliability with baseline and 2- to 3-week follow-up assessments (n = 50 patients and n = 30 healthy controls). We will involve experts and participants to evaluate the initial feasibility and refine the CFC if needed. Subsequently, we will perform a longitudinal construct validation study in a prospective cohort (n = 300) with baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up assessments. The main outcome is cognitive and functional progression measured by the CFC. Reference measures for progression include traditional cognitive and functional tests, disease burden measures, and brain imaging methods. Using linear mixed modeling, we will investigate longitudinal changes on the CFC and relate these to the reference measures. Using linear regression analyses, we will evaluate the influence of possible confounders such as age, gender, and education on the CFC.

DISCUSSION

By performing an independent longitudinal construct validation, the Catch-Cog study of the novel CFC will contribute to the improvement of disease monitoring and treatment evaluation in early dementia stages of AD.

Persons With Advanced Alzheimer’s Disease Engage in Mild Leg Exercise Supported by Technology-Aided Stimulation and Prompts

This study assessed whether nine persons with advanced Alzheimer’s disease would learn to engage in leg responses (exercise) with the support of a technology-aided program, which provided (a) preferred stimulation contingent on the leg responses and (b) verbal reminders/prompts in case of no responding. The study was conducted according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants and involved sessions of 5 min. During the baseline, the participants’ mean frequencies of leg responses ranged from zero to slightly above two per session. During the intervention, those frequencies ranged from nearly 10 to nearly 17 per session. The mean frequencies of prompts varied across participants from about two to more than seven per session. In addition to the increase in leg responses, participants showed an increase in signs of positive personal involvement (e.g., smiles and positive verbalizations) during the intervention sessions as compared with the baseline sessions. The applicability and potential benefits of the program in daily contexts are discussed.

Technology-Aided Programs to Support Positive Verbal and Physical Engagement in Persons with Moderate or Severe Alzheimer's Disease

Pilot studies using technology-aided programs to promote verbal reminiscence and mild physical activity (i.e., positive forms of engagement) in persons with moderate or severe Alzheimer's disease have provided promising results (Lancioni et al., 2015a,b). The present two studies were aimed at upgrading and/or extending the assessment of those programs. Specifically, Study 1 upgraded the program for verbal reminiscence and assessed it with eight new participants. The upgraded version automatically monitored the participants' verbal behavior during the sessions, in which photos and brief videos were used to foster verbal reminiscence. Monitoring allowed computer approval and reminders to be consistent with the participants' behavior. Study 2 extended the assessment of the program for promoting mild physical activity with 10 new participants for whom arm-raising responses were targeted. The results of Study 1 showed that the participants' mean percentages of intervals with verbal engagement/reminiscence were below 10 during baseline and control sessions and between above 50 and nearly 80 during the intervention. The results of Study 2 showed that the mean frequencies of arm-raising responses were about or below four and between about 10 and 19 per session during the baseline and the intervention, respectively. The general implications of the aforementioned results and the need for new research in the area were discussed.

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for the detection of dementia in clinically unevaluated people aged 65 and over in community and primary care populations

BACKGROUND

The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a cognitive test that is commonly used as part of the evaluation for possible dementia.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at various cut points for dementia in people aged 65 years and over in community and primary care settings who had not undergone prior testing for dementia.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the specialised register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group, MEDLINE (OvidSP), EMBASE (OvidSP), PsycINFO (OvidSP), LILACS (BIREME), ALOIS, BIOSIS previews (Thomson Reuters Web of Science), and Web of Science Core Collection, including the Science Citation Index and the Conference Proceedings Citation Index (Thomson Reuters Web of Science). We also searched specialised sources of diagnostic test accuracy studies and reviews: MEDION (Universities of Maastricht and Leuven, www.mediondatabase.nl), DARE (Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, via the Cochrane Library), HTA Database (Health Technology Assessment Database, via the Cochrane Library), and ARIF (University of Birmingham, UK, www.arif.bham.ac.uk). We attempted to locate possibly relevant but unpublished data by contacting researchers in this field. We first performed the searches in November 2012 and then fully updated them in May 2014. We did not apply any language or date restrictions to the electronic searches, and we did not use any methodological filters as a method to restrict the search overall.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included studies that compared the 11-item (maximum score 30) MMSE test (at any cut point) in people who had not undergone prior testing versus a commonly accepted clinical reference standard for all-cause dementia and subtypes (Alzheimer disease dementia, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia). Clinical diagnosis included all-cause (unspecified) dementia, as defined by any version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM); International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the Clinical Dementia Rating.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

At least three authors screened all citations.Two authors handled data extraction and quality assessment. We performed meta-analysis using the hierarchical summary receiver-operator curves (HSROC) method and the bivariate method.

MAIN RESULTS

We retrieved 24,310 citations after removal of duplicates. We reviewed the full text of 317 full-text articles and finally included 70 records, referring to 48 studies, in our synthesis. We were able to perform meta-analysis on 28 studies in the community setting (44 articles) and on 6 studies in primary care (8 articles), but we could not extract usable 2 x 2 data for the remaining 14 community studies, which we did not include in the meta-analysis. All of the studies in the community were in asymptomatic people, whereas two of the six studies in primary care were conducted in people who had symptoms of possible dementia. We judged two studies to be at high risk of bias in the patient selection domain, three studies to be at high risk of bias in the index test domain and nine studies to be at high risk of bias regarding flow and timing. We assessed most studies as being applicable to the review question though we had concerns about selection of participants in six studies and target condition in one study.The accuracy of the MMSE for diagnosing dementia was reported at 18 cut points in the community (MMSE score 10, 14-30 inclusive) and 10 cut points in primary care (MMSE score 17-26 inclusive). The total number of participants in studies included in the meta-analyses ranged from 37 to 2727, median 314 (interquartile range (IQR) 160 to 647). In the community, the pooled accuracy at a cut point of 24 (15 studies) was sensitivity 0.85 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74 to 0.92), specificity 0.90 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.95); at a cut point of 25 (10 studies), sensitivity 0.87 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.93), specificity 0.82 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.92); and in seven studies that adjusted accuracy estimates for level of education, sensitivity 0.97 (95% CI 0.83 to 1.00), specificity 0.70 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.85). There was insufficient data to evaluate the accuracy of the MMSE for diagnosing dementia subtypes.We could not estimate summary diagnostic accuracy in primary care due to insufficient data.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The MMSE contributes to a diagnosis of dementia in low prevalence settings, but should not be used in isolation to confirm or exclude disease. We recommend that future work evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of tests in the context of the diagnostic pathway experienced by the patient and that investigators report how undergoing the MMSE changes patient-relevant outcomes.

Patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease engage in verbal reminiscence with the support of a computer-aided program: a pilot study

This study focused on the assessment of a program recently developed for helping patients with moderate Alzheimer’s disease engage in computer-mediated verbal reminiscence (Lancioni et al., 2014a). Sixteen participants were involved in the study. Six of them used the original program version with the computer showing a virtual partner posing questions and providing attention and guidance. The other 10 used a slightly modified program version with the computer presenting photos and videos and providing encouragements to talk as well as attention and guidance. Participants were exposed to brief program sessions individually. The results showed that 15 participants (five of those using the first version and all of those using the second version) had a clear and lasting increase in verbal engagement/reminiscence during the intervention sessions with the program. Those 15 participants had mean percentages of intervals with verbal engagement/reminiscence below 10 during baseline and between about 45 and 75 during the intervention. The results’ implications and the need for new research were discussed.

Persons with Alzheimer's disease engage in leisure and mild physical activity with the support of technology-aided programs

Three studies were conducted to assess technology-aided programs to promote leisure engagement and mild physical activity in persons with Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, Study I assessed a program aimed at enabling three patients with mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease to choose among different music options and activate the preferred ones. Studies II and III were directed at patients in the low moderate or severe stages of the Alzheimer's disease who were no longer capable of ambulating and spent their time generally inactive, sitting in their wheelchairs. In particular, Study II used a program to help three patients exercise an arm-raising movement. Study III used a program to help three patients exercise a leg-foot movement. Each study was carried out according to a nonconcurrent multiple baseline design across patients. Results were very encouraging. The patients of Study I learned to choose and activate their preferred music pieces. The patients of Studies II and III enhanced their performance of the target movements and increased their indices of positive participation (e.g., smiles and verbalizations) during the sessions. The applicability of the programs in daily contexts and their implications for the patients involved are discussed.

A computer-aided program for helping patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease engage in verbal reminiscence

This study assessed a simple computer-aided program for helping patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease engage in verbal reminiscence. In practice, the program was aimed at fostering the patient's verbal engagement on a number of life experiences/topics previously selected for him or her and introduced in the sessions through a friendly female, who appeared on the computer screen. The female asked the patient about the aforementioned experiences/topics, and provided him or her with positive attention, and possibly verbal guidance (i.e., prompts/encouragements). Eight patients were involved in the study, which was carried out according to non-concurrent multiple baseline designs across participants. Seven of them showed clear improvement during the intervention phase (i.e., with the program). Their mean percentages of intervals with verbal engagement/reminiscence ranged from close to zero to about 15 during the baseline and from above 50 to above 75 during the intervention. The results were discussed in relation to previous literature on reminiscence therapy, with specific emphasis on the need for (a) replication studies and (b) the development of new versions of the technology-aided program to improve its impact and reach a wider number of patients.

Persons with moderate Alzheimer's disease use simple technology aids to manage daily activities and leisure occupation

Two studies assessed technology-aided programs to support performance of daily activities and selection/activation of music items with patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease. In Study I, four patients were presented with activity-related pictorial instructions via a computer fitted with inexpensive, commercial software. In Study II, four patients were (a) presented with different music options and (b) allowed to select and activate the preferred option via a microswitch response. Study I showed that each patient learned to perform the two activities available with percentages of correct responses exceeding 85 by the end of the intervention. Study II showed that all patients learned to choose and activate music options. Psychology students, employed in a social validation check, scored the patients' behavior within the program better than their behavior in a control situation. The relevance and usability of simplified pictorial-instruction programs and music choice programs for patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease were discussed.