Clinical Correlates of the Alzheimer's Questionnaire

Abstract

Informant‐based assessments of cognition and function are commonly used to differentiate individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) from those who are cognitively normal (CN). However, determining the extent to which informant‐based measures correlate to objective neuropsychological tests is important given the widespread use of neuropsychological tests in making clinical diagnoses of aMCI and AD. The aim of the current study is to determine how well the Alzheimer’s Questionnaire (AQ) correlates with objective neuropsychological tests. Results showed that the AQ correlated strongly with the Mini Mental State Exam (r = ‐0.71) and the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale‐2 (r = ‐0.72), and moderate correlations were noted for the AQ with memory function (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test Delayed Recall, r = ‐0.61) and executive function (Trails B, r = 0.53). The AQ also correlated moderately with language function (Boston Naming Test 30‐Item, r = ‐0.44), but showed a weak correlation with visuospatial function (Judgment of Line Orientation, r = ‐0.28). The AQ also correlates particularly well with cognitive screens, showing the strongest correlations with the MMSE (r = ‐0.71) and the DRS‐2 (r = ‐0.72). The findings of this study suggest that the AQ correlates well with several neuropsychological tests, particularly those that assess the domains memory and executive function. These results lend further support to the validity of the AQ as a screening instrument for cognitive impairment as it correlates well with neuropsychological measures used to make clinical diagnoses of aMCI and AD.e sites become involved, thus providing significant feedback for possible course revision.