Abstract
IntroductionSocial functioning is a core domain in the life of people with dementia, but there is no accepted instrument to measure it. We aimed to develop the Social Functioning in Dementia (SF-DEM) scale and test its psychometric properties for assessing social function in people with dementia. MethodsWe interviewed people with mild dementia and family caregivers to develop patient and caregiver-rated SF-DEM versions and refined them through interviews with health care professionals. We tested its psychometric properties in 30 dyads of people with dementia and family caregivers. ResultsBoth SF-DEM versions had content validity and demonstrated concurrent validity against a single item rating overall social functioning (patient rated r = 0.42, 95% CI [0.07–0.68]; caregiver rated r = 0.59, 95% CI [0.29–0.78]). All participants found it acceptable. Analyses showed reliability (test–retest, inter-rater, internal consistency) and indications of responsiveness to change. DiscussionSF-DEM shows promise as a valid, reliable, acceptable measure of social functioning in dementia.
Highlights
Dementia diagnostic criteria specify impairment, in activities of daily living or social function, must accompany cognitive decline [1,2]
Procedure We developed an interview guide which tested content validity by inquiring whether our draft instruments balanced all important facets of social functioning and assessed clarity, acceptability, and ease of use
We identified the following themes from our analysis and devised candidate items for the questionnaire based on the phrases our participants used and structured around the domains of our conceptual framework
Summary
Dementia diagnostic criteria specify impairment, in activities of daily living or social function, must accompany cognitive decline [1,2]. Changes in social behavior occur in the early stages of a number of dementia subtypes [9] including Alzheimer’s disease [10] and frontotemporal dementia [11]. These changes may be measures of general function [20] and quality of life [21] include individual questions about social function, there is no validated instrument available to assess social functioning in people with dementia.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
