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. 2009 Apr;49(2):236-47.
doi: 10.1093/geront/gnp023. Epub 2009 Mar 25.

The Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale: development and psychometric properties

Affiliations

The Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale: development and psychometric properties

Brian D Carpenter et al. Gerontologist. 2009 Apr.

Abstract

Purpose: This study provides preliminary evidence for the acceptability, reliability, and validity of the new Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS), a content and psychometric update to the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Test.

Design and methods: Traditional scale development methods were used to generate items and evaluate their psychometric properties in a variety of subsamples.

Results: The final 30-item, true/false scale takes approximately 5-10 min to complete and covers risk factors, assessment and diagnosis, symptoms, course, life impact, caregiving, and treatment and management. Preliminary results suggest that the ADKS has adequate reliability (test-retest and internal consistency) and validity (content, predictive, concurrent, and convergent).

Implications: The ADKS is designed for use in both applied and research contexts, capable of assessing knowledge about Alzheimer's disease among laypeople, patients, caregivers, and professionals.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Scores on the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) based on experience with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

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