PMID: 9180766Jun 1, 1996Paper

Informant questionnaires as screening measures to detect dementia. A pilot study in the South African context

South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
V LengerS J Louw

Abstract

There is currently no appropriate cognitive screening test available to diagnose dementia cross-culturally in South Africa. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the efficacy of an informant questionnaire in detecting cognitive decline in the elderly. The Deterioration Cognitive Observee (DECO), an informant questionnaire previously used abroad, was administered to relatives of elderly patients. Relatives were also asked a series of open-ended questions about the patient's cognitive abilities and behaviour. The DECO results were compared with patients' scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the cognitive measure currently used to assess a patient's level of cognitive decline, as well as with the clinicians' diagnosis. The interviews were completed at the Groote Schuur Hospital Geriatric Clinic during the months of May and June 1994. The subjects were patients (N = 20) and their relatives (N = 20) attending the Geriatric Clinic. DECO scores correctly predicted normal functioning in 7 patients and dementia. In 8. The DECO scores correlated with the MMSE scores (r = 0.625; P < 0.01) and MMSE scores correlated with the clinicians' diagnosis (chi 2 = 0.114; df = 1; P = 0.73). Open-ended questions confirmed the ...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.