Concurrent validity of abbreviated WAIS-III index scores in geriatric outpatients with suspected dementia

• Published in: Archives of clinical neuropsychology 2006-04, Vol.21 (3), p.211-216
• Main Authors: Brooks, Brian L., Weaver, Linda E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Biological and medical sciences; Degenerative and inherited degenerative diseases of the nervous system. Leukodystrophies. Prion diseases; Dementia; Dementia - diagnosis; Dementia - psychology; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Geriatric Assessment; Geriatrics; Humans; Index scores; Male; Medical sciences; Mental Health Services; Middle Aged; Neurology; Older adults; Organic mental disorders. Neuropsychology; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychometrics; Psychometrics. Diagnostic aid systems; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Reproducibility of Results; Short form; Techniques and methods; WAIS-III; Wechsler Scales
• ISSN: 0887-6177; 1873-5843
• DOI: 10.1016/j.acn.2005.12.003

Assessments of older adults with suspected dementia can be time limited and clinicians might consider using abbreviated versions of measures. The present study examined the concurrent validity of abbreviated WAIS-III index scores in a sample of geriatric patients referred for assessment of suspected dementia ( N = 43; mean age = 63.8 years). All 2-subtest estimates of the Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization, and Working Memory index scores accurately estimated more than 80% of cases within ±2 standard errors of measurement (S.E.M.), and in most cases, more than 90% of cases were accurate at this level. While none of the 1-subtest estimates of these index scores were as accurate, both of the 1-subtest estimates of the Processing Speed index had high clinical accuracy. Abbreviated versions of the four index scores can be substituted in situations with this clinical population where testing time is limited or a patient fatigues easily.