The Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale: development and psychometric properties.
OBJECTIVE
This study provides preliminary evidence for the acceptability, reliability, and validity of the new Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS), a content and psychometric update to the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Test.


METHODS
Traditional scale development methods were used to generate items and evaluate their psychometric properties in a variety of subsamples.


RESULTS
The final 30-item, true/false scale takes approximately 5-10 min to complete and covers risk factors, assessment and diagnosis, symptoms, course, life impact, caregiving, and treatment and management. Preliminary results suggest that the ADKS has adequate reliability (test-retest and internal consistency) and validity (content, predictive, concurrent, and convergent).


CONCLUSIONS
The ADKS is designed for use in both applied and research contexts, capable of assessing knowledge about Alzheimer's disease among laypeople, patients, caregivers, and professionals.
Carpenter
Brian D
BD
Department of Psychology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO 63130, USA. bcarpenter@wustl.edu
Balsis
Steve
S
Otilingam
Poorni G
PG
Hanson
Priya K
PK
Gatz
Margaret
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D055815:Young Adult