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Validation of the Epidemiological Dementia Index in Geriatric Outpatients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 January 2005

Konstantions N. Fountoulakis ,
Magda Tsolaki ,
Helias Paulopoulos  and
Aristides Kazis
Konstantions N. Fountoulakis
Affiliation:
3rd Department of Psychiatry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Magda Tsolaki
Affiliation:
3rd Department of Neurology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
Helias Paulopoulos
Affiliation:
3rd Department of Neurology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
Aristides Kazis
Affiliation:
3rd Department of Neurology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Abstract

The aim of the current study was to test the properties of a scale especially developed for use in epidemiological surveys in low sociocultural populations, and to determine whether this scale can be used in a clinical population. Material and Methods: Two hundred fifty subjects took part; 150 were controls and 100 had dementia of various types according to DSM-IV and NINCDS-ADRDA criteria. Results: Cronbach's alpha was equal to .78. In the group of people under 75 years old, sensitivity did not exceed 90%. Specificity was over 90% at the level 4/5. The respective scores for the group of people over 74 were 6/7 and 3/4. Discussion: The Epidemiological Dementia Index seems to be less powerful when used in a clinical population. This provides further evidence that it is not suitable to use the same instruments in both epidemiological studies and clinical practice.

Type
Epidemiology
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 12 , Issue 2 , June 2000 , pp. 195 - 208
Copyright
© 2000 International Psychogeriatric Association

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