Validation of the Agitation in Alzheimer’s Screener for Caregivers
Author Information
Author(s): Jackson W Clay, Stroud Jared, Brubaker Malaak, Patel Mehul, Fehnel Sheri, Peschin Sue, Grossberg George, Clevenger Carolyn
Primary Institution: University of Tennessee College of Medicine
Hypothesis
The Agitation in Alzheimer’s Screener for Caregivers (AASC®) will improve recognition of agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia compared to IPA criteria.
Conclusion
The AASC® can enhance communication between caregivers and healthcare professionals, leading to better recognition of agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia.
Supporting Evidence
- The AASC® has two questions assessing agitation behaviors.
- Percentage agreement between AASC® and IPA was 70.45%.
- Cohen’s kappa coefficient for agreement was 0.35.
- The study included 50 caregiver-healthcare professional dyads.
Takeaway
This study shows that a new tool can help caregivers and doctors talk better about agitation in Alzheimer’s patients.
Methodology
Ongoing, prospective, multisite, single-visit observational study comparing AASC® and IPA criteria.
Potential Biases
Caregivers may minimize the impact of agitation, affecting results.
Limitations
The interim analysis included a small sample size of 44 dyads.
Participant Demographics
Most participants were female, with an average age of 74 years; caregivers were predominantly White.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.08, 0.62
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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