Vitality Index as a useful tool to assess elderly with dementia

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present paper was to establish a new objective scale to measure vitality related to activities of daily living in elderly patients with dementia. Methods: Cross‐sectional and longitudinal observational studies were carried out on patients and residents in long‐term care facilities. Reliability of the scale was examined by determining test–retest reliability, interrater reliability and internal consistency. Validity of the scale was evaluated with respect to criterion validity and predictive validity. Clinical usefulness of the scale was tested by measuring the time taken to perform scoring and evaluating the changes in the score before and after behavioral therapy for functional urinary incontinence. Results: The test–retest correlation coefficient was 0.98. Mean kappa coefficient of Vitality Index was 0.63. Interrater coefficient of variation was 0.14. Cronbach α of the Index was 0.88. Vitality Index was negatively correlated with Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) (P < 0.01). A low score was an independent risk factor for survival. Behavioral therapy for functional urinary incontinence increased Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (P < 0.05) and Vitality Index (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Vitality Index could be a new tool to assess patients with dementia.

The Effect of a Horticultural Activities Program on the Psychologic, Physical, Cognitive Function and Quality of Life of Elderly People Living in Nursing Homes

“…Vitality was evaluated using the Vitality Index (VI) [12]; depressive symptoms were measured using a set of 15 items termed the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) [13]; ADL was rated using a set of 20 items termed the ADL-20 [14]; QOL was assessed via a set of seven items in the 100-mm visual analogue scale [15]; and cognitive function was evaluated using the MMSE [8]. A total of two assessments were performed.…”

Efficacy of Horticultural Activity in Elderly People with Dementia: A Pilot Study on the Influence on Vitality and Cognitive Function

“…Vitality was evaluated using Vitality Index (VI) [15] and cognitive function was evaluated using MMSE [14]. A total of three assessments were performed.…”

Are Octogenarians in Good Condition after Cardiac Valvular Surgery?

“…[8][9][10]18) The VI, which is very useful for obtaining responses, even in patients with dementia, was used to assess life motivation (volition). 11,18) In the present study, 87.5% of the survivors maintained the minimally required ADL (BI) and had good motivation (VI). On the other hand, the FIADL scores were not satisfactory.…”

“…[8][9][10][11] The BI was used to assess the need for caregiving. 8) The total score was 100, with ≤20 indicating totally dependent, ≤40 indicating severe impairment, and ≥60 indicating highly independent.…”