Date of Award:

12-2011

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Psychology

Committee Chair(s)

JoAnn T. Tschanz

Committee

JoAnn T. Tschanz

Committee

M. Scott DeBerard

Committee

Kathleen W. Piercy

Abstract

This study examined the association between data collection techniques used to measure functional abilities in individuals with dementia. Cognitive, functional, and behavioral data were collected through the Cache County Dementia Progression Study for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. The caregivers’ reports of care recipients’ functional status were compared with the care recipients’ scores on a performance-based measure of functional abilities. Analyses showed moderate correlation between caregivers’ reports and objective measures, with no significant effect of caregiver demographic or mental health factors. However, care recipients’ sensory motor impairments reduced the association between the two assessment methods.

Visits occurred at the care recipients’ and/or caregivers’ residences. During the two- to three-hour visit, data were collected by a research nurse and a neuropsychological technician trained to administer the assessments and questionnaires. Care recipients and their caregivers were paid $25 each for their participation in each visit involved with the study. The study was funded by an NIA grant (R01AG21136).

No costs to the participants were anticipated beyond the time spent participating. Benefits for the study include adding to the existing knowledge base regarding the impact of dementia on cognitive, functional, and behavioral outcomes.

Checksum

4c91b0ff1f24578451c66c76e28a5ccc

Comments

Publication made available electronically December 21, 2011.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS

Copyright for this work is retained by the student. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at .