[Diagnostic value and functional correlations of the ADAS-Cog scale in Alzheimer's disease: data on NORMACODEM project].

Introduction: The aims of this study were to assess the criterion validity of Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS) and its cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog) for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and to determine their different cut-off scores and sensitivity and specificity values. In addition, we also attempted to study the possible correlations between cognitive scores (ADAS) and functional measures.

Methods: 451 subjects were studied (254 controls, 86 subjects with mild cognitive impairment and 111 patients with AD).

[Psychometry of dementias at debate].

The accurate diagnosis of dementias and the screening of cognitive impairment constitute a key to attend to the sociodemographical needs. This paper states the aims of screening and diagnosis, the tools used and their main psychometric features, especially, reliability and validity. The need to critically review the publications on this subject is highlighted and the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD) are mentioned.

[Rapid Disability Rating Scale-2 in Alzheimer's disease: NORMACODEM project data].

Introduction: The study aimed to investigate the Rapid Disability Rating Scale-2 (RDRS-2) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Test retest reliability, internal consistency, data of discriminant validity of the scale, correlations with other functional and cognitive measures were analyzed.

Material And Methods: 451 subjects were assessed: 254 healthy controls, 86 with cognitive impairment but no dementia (CIND) and 111 subjects diagnosed of AD.

[Diagnostic value and test-retest reliability of the Blessed Dementia Rating Scale for Alzheimer's disease: data from the NORMACODEM project].

Introduction: This study aims to discover the criterion validity of the Blessed Dementia Rating Scale (BDRS) for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Different cut-off scores and corresponding diagnostic sensitivities and specificities were established. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the BDRS were also analyzed.

[Correlations between cognition and function in Alzheimer's disease: based on the abbreviated Barcelona Test (a-BT)].

Introduction: The objective is to establish the existence of possible correlations between cognitive measures using the a-BT, and functional measures in a population of normal to moderately severe demented subjects.

Methods: A sample of 107 subjects (42 healthy controls, 19 subjects with mild cognitive impairment and 46 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease) were included in the present study. The instruments of the cognitive measure used was the abbreviated Barcelona Test (a-BT), a test of general cognitive function.