Assessing changes in social functioning in the course of dementia: an instrument for research and clinical practice in German-speaking Areas

Purpose Dementia is one of the most common and most severe disorders in old age. In addition to cognitive decline and functional loss, changes in social functioning occur in the course of dementia. Currently, there is no valid instrument in German language for assessing social functioning in people with dementia. Therefore, we aim to adapt and psychometrically evaluate the English Social Functioning in Dementia Scale (SF-DEM).

Methods In a first step, the SF-DEM was translated from English into German according to the TRAPD model (Translation, Review, Adjudication, Pretesting, and Documentation). In a second step, we conduct a pilot study with 30 dyads comprising older individuals with mild dementia and a relative each. Study participants are visited and interviewed twice in their homes to collect relevant data, which are used to calculate psychometric test properties of the German version of the SF-DEM. For example, different parameters of content validity and reliability will be provided. To assess reliability, the internal consistency of the scale will be determined using Cronbach’s Alpha. In addition, the inter-rater and test-retest reliability will be estimated.

Results Data collection is ongoing. Results of the psychometric evaluation of the German version of the SF-DEM will be presented at the conference.

Conclusions The German version of the SF-DEM will fill a gap in research and clinical practice, which currently lack an instrument to reliably assess social functioning in people with dementia. The overall study goal is to make the adapted German version available for free.

Publication History

Article published online:
02 September 2021