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Editorial
. 2008 Nov;4(6):390-4.
doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2008.09.002.

Comment on administration and scoring of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory in clinical trials

Donald J Connor  1 , Marwan N Sabbagh, Jeffery L Cummings
Affiliations
Editorial

Comment on administration and scoring of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory in clinical trials

Donald J Connor et al. Alzheimers Dement. 2008 Nov.

Abstract

Background: The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) is commonly used in dementia trials to quantify and qualitate changes in psychiatric symptoms.

Methods: A questionnaire was administered to clinical trial raters to assess whether they were being trained to administer and score the NPI differently between clinical trial protocols.

Results: Responses to the survey indicated that there are differences between clinical trials protocols in how the instrument is administered and scored.

Discussion: Clarification of administration and scoring rules are provided, including the behavioral sampling period, whether premorbid characteristics are considered, and what behaviors are considered in rating frequency, severity, and caregiver distress.

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