Dementia--diagnosis

Previous studies suggested that the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ-10)
has minimal ethnic bias and that a shorter version (FAQ-6) can equally diagnose MCI
and dementia. Objective: We analyzed whether FAQ-6 is similar to FAQ-10 in
diagnosing MCI and dementia. We examined their applicability across European
Americans (EA) and Hispanic Americans, and how scores correlated to beta amyloid.
Method: 222 participants (116 EA) completed a neuropsychological battery, FAQ, and
PET scans, and were classified as cognitively normal (CN), MCI, or dementia. The
diagnostic capacity of FAQ-10 and FAQ-6 were compared for the total sample and across
ethnic groups. Scores were correlated to beta amyloid. Results: Both versions showed
good item discrimination. Ethnicity did not affect scores when controlling for diagnosis
and education. Both versions classified CN and dementia, and positively correlated to
beta amyloid. Conclusions: Results suggest FAQ-6 and FAQ-10 similarly predict
diagnosis and is adequate in these ethnic groups.