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Utility of the Algase Wandering Scale in an outpatient Alzheimer's disease sample
Author(s) -
Marcus Jacqueline F.,
Cellar Janet S.,
Ansari Farzaneh Pour,
Bliwise Donald L.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/gps.1745
Subject(s) - dementia , normative , psychology , clinical psychology , psychiatry , disease , psychometrics , scale (ratio) , gerontology , medicine , philosophy , epistemology , physics , quantum mechanics
Background Wandering represents a major problem in the management of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study we examined the utility of the Algase Wandering Scale (AWS), a newly developed psychometric instrument that asks caregivers to assess the likelihood of wandering behavior. Methods The AWS was administered to the caregivers of 40 AD patients and total and subscale scores were examined in relation to measures of mental and functional status, depressive symptoms and medication usage. Results AWS scores were comparable, though slightly lower, than those normative values previously published. Higher scores were associated with more severe dementia. The Negative Outcome subscale showed a significant increase in reported falls or injuries in association with anti‐depressant use. Conclusions These data provide some construct validation for the AWS as a potentially useful scale to assess wandering behaviors in AD. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.