Refinements in the assessment of dementia-related behaviors: Factor structure of the memory and behavior problem checklist.

Abstract

This study explored the factor structure of Zarit's Memory and Behavior Problem Checklist (MBPC), a 29-item inventory that samples negative behavior changes associated with dementia (e.g., incontinence and destroying property). Family caregivers for 185 progressive-dementia patients provided information on their affected relatives. A principal-components factor analysis with an oblique (nonorthogonal) rotation produced an 8-factor solution that accounted for 62.9% of the variance. A second-order factor analysis of the first 5 factors produced a 3-factor solution that accounted for 74.7% of the variance. The 3 factors were (a) self-care and self-maintenance functions, (b) memory problems and psychiatric symptoms associated with dementia, and (c) communication problems and agitation. Correlations between MBPC frequency scores and measures of adaptive ability and level of dementia were high and positive. Potential clinical and research applications of the scale in other related populations are discussed.

Community care for patients with Alzheimer's disease and non-demented elderly people: use and satisfaction with services and unmet needs in family caregivers

“…A number of statistically signi®cant dierences and dierences tending to signi®cance emerged on analysis. By dividing family members according to distress level (low 1±58, moderate 59±87, high burden 88±145) consequent to patients' cognitive and behavioural disorders, assessed through the Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist and Caregiver Burden (Dura et al, 1990) proposed by Rankin et al (1992), 35 supporters fell into the low and 25 into the moderate burden category, but no supporter reached a high burden score.…”

Psychometric Analysis of the Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist: Factor Structure of Occurrence and Reaction Ratings.

“…However, significant inconsistencies across previous studies are evident, both in terms of item content and resulting factor structures. Factor structures with as few as three (Fuh et al, 1999;Teri et al, 1992) and as many as eight (Dura et al, 1990) different factors have been reported.…”

“…Exploratory factor analyses of the RMBPC and similar measures of memory and behavior problems have indicated that multiple dimensions underlie these measures (Dura, Bornstein, & Kiecolt-Glaser, 1990;Fuh, Liu, Wang, Wang, & Liu, 1999;McCarty et al, 2000;Teri et al, 1992). In general, memory-related problems have been found to cluster on distinct factors that are largely independent from emotional difficulties and other behavior problems.…”

“…However, significant inconsistencies across previous studies are evident, both in terms of item content and resulting factor structures. Factor structures with as few as three (Fuh et al, 1999;Teri et al, 1992) and as many as eight (Dura et al, 1990) different factors have been reported.In constructing the RMBPC, Teri and colleagues (1992) expanded from a list of items previously used by Zarit and Zarit (1983) and assembled a set of 64 items. These items were then administered to 169 caregivers of patients diagnosed with dementia and 32 caregivers of geriatric patients without a diagnosis of dementia.…”

“…An objective measure of care-recipient cognitive status was obtained, and this measure was expected to show an inverted, ∪-shaped, curvilinear relationship with RMBPC memory-related measures. Curvilinear associations between the frequency of memory problems and objective cognitive status have been found previously (McCarty et al, 2000), although significant negative linear correlations have also been reported (Dura et al, 1990;Teri et al, 1992). Finally, we sought to identify any gender or racial differences on the RMBPC measures in this large multisite sample.…”