Changes in daily cognition and behavior of Alzheimer's patients over time: a three-year evaluation using a daily cognition and behavior for Alzheimer's disease scale.

BACKGROUND

In Japan, the number of older people with dementia was 2.26 million as of 2010, and Alzheimer's disease accounted for the greatest morbidity rate among older people with dementia.

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of this longitudinal study were to assess whether the Daily Cognition and Behavior for Alzheimer's Disease scale might help observe changes in daily cognition and behavior among Alzheimer's disease patients and to determine whether the scale could be used by non-professional caregivers.

METHODS

Data obtained from 111 rater-patient pairs were analysed. The scores for Daily Cognition and Behavior for Alzheimer's Disease used by staff members were compared with those for two other scales designed for professional use. Comparisons were made using one-way repeated-measures ANOVA.

RESULTS

The scores for Daily Cognition and Behavior for Alzheimer's Disease indicated a declining pattern similar to those for the other scales. There was no significant difference in scores by rater occupations.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest Daily Cognition and Behavior for Alzheimer's Disease might help observe changes in daily cognition and behavior among Alzheimer's disease patients, and that Daily Cognition and Behavior for Alzheimer's Disease can be used by non-professional caregivers.