cognitive behavior rating scale (CBRS)

Introduction

A 117 item questionnaire that assesses 9 areas of functioning:

• language deficits
• apraxia
• disorientation
• agitation
• need for routine
• depression
• higher cognitive deficits
• memory disorder
• dementia

The CBRS also includes questions on:

• educational & occupational background
• current social situation
• activities of daily living

Caregivers use a 5-point scale to rate items, based upon the patient's behavior.

Advantages

• high test-retest reliability
• ratings of dementia patients are higher than those of non demented patients on all scales except depression

Disadvantages

• too long for routine clinical use
• relies heavily on the impression of caregivers, who may not be able to make objective observations

More general terms

• behavioral assessment