Assessment of patient and caregiver experiences of dementia-related symptoms: development of the Multidimensional Assessment of Neurodegenerative Symptoms questionnaire

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2009;27(3):260-72. doi: 10.1159/000203890. Epub 2009 Feb 25.

Abstract

Background: To provide preliminary validation data on a self- or informant-report multidimensional questionnaire of symptoms associated with neurodegenerative disorders.

Methods: Participants from 2 trials (n = 125), the Arizona APOE Cohort and the Arizona Alzheimer's Disease Center, completed the Multidimensional Assessment of Neurodegenerative Symptoms questionnaire (MANS) and other related measures.

Results: Measures of central tendency are provided for the sample as a whole and by cognitive status. Internal consistency of the MANS is excellent (alpha = 0.98). Factor analysis suggests 4 factors. Correlational analyses support the construct validity of the MANS with moderate to high (r = 0.54-0.87) correlations between the MANS and measures of mood, cognition and daily functioning.

Conclusion: Results provide initial support for the MANS as a brief measure that is a reliable and valid indicator of cognitive, personality, functional and motor symptoms potentially related to neurodegenerative etiologies. Further research with the MANS is warranted.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics
  • Arizona / epidemiology
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Dementia / genetics
  • Dementia / psychology*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / psychology*
  • Patients
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins E