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Lookup NU author(s): Dr David Lee, Professor Ian McKeith, Dr Urs Mosimann, Dr Louise Grayson, Dr Barbara Wilson, Professor Alan ThomasORCiD
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Objectives: Cognitive fluctuation (CF) is a common feature of dementia and a core diagnostic symptom for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). CF remains difficult to accurately and reliably detect clinically. This study aimed to develop a psychometric test that could be used by clinicians to facilitate the identification of CF and improve the recognition and diagnosis of DLB and Parkinson disease, and to improve differential diagnosis of other dementias. Methods: We compiled a 17-item psychometric test for identifying CF and applied this measure in a cross-sectional design. Participants were recruited from the North East of England, and assessments were made in individuals' homes. We recruited people with four subtypes of dementia and a healthy comparison group, and all subjects were administered this pilot scale together with other standard ratings. The psychometric properties of the scale were examined with exploratory factor analysis. We also examined the ability of individual items to identify CF to discriminate between dementia subtypes. The sensitivity and specificity of discriminating items were explored along with validity and reliability analyses. Results: Participants comprised 32 comparison subjects, 30 people with Alzheimer disease, 30 with vascular dementia, 29 with DLB, and 32 with dementia associated with Parkinson disease. Four items significantly discriminated between dementia groups and showed good levels of sensitivity (range: 78.6% - 80.3%) and specificity (range: 73.9% - 79.3%). The scale had very good levels of test-retest (Cronbach's alpha: 0.82) and interrater (0.81) reliabilities. The four items loaded onto three different factors. These items were: 1) marked differences in functioning during the daytime; 2) daytime somnolence; 3) daytime drowsiness; and 4) altered levels of consciousness during the day. Conclusions: We identified four items that provide valid, sensitive, and specific questions for reliably identifying CF and distinguishing the Lewy body dementias from other major causes of dementia (Alzheimer disease and vascular dementia).
Author(s): Lee DR, McKeith I, Mosimann U, Ghosh-Nodial A, Grayson L, Wilson B, Thomas AJ
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Year: 2014
Volume: 22
Issue: 9
Pages: 926-935
Print publication date: 01/09/2014
Online publication date: 12/12/2013
Acceptance date: 26/09/2012
ISSN (print): 1064-7481
ISSN (electronic): 1545-7214
Publisher: Elsevier Science
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2013.01.072
DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2013.01.072
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