Measuring the Quality of Life of Dementia Patients Using the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life

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Abstract
The importance of quality of life (QoL) assessment in research and clinical practice is gaining increasing recognition. The Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life (SEIQoL) is based on a phenomonological approach in which the individual’s views are central. As cognitive impairment may affect insight and the ability to make judgements this study explored the feasibility, validity and reliability of using the SEIQoL to measure the quality of life of elderly dementia patients. The SEIQoL was administered to 20 patients meeting DSM-IIIR criteria for mild dementia. Cognitive status was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and CAM COG (from the CAMDEX). All patients were able to complete some elements of the SEIQoL, but only 6 were willing or able to complete the full procedure. Mean CAM COG scores distinguished these 6 patients from the remaining 14 (p<.01). For these 6 dementia patients the mean internal variance (R2), an estimate of construct validity, was .70, and the internal reliability coefficient (r) was .74. It is concluded that in cases of mild cognitive impairment the SElQoL can be a feasible, valid and reliable instrument. As cognitive impairment increases patients are less likely to be able or willing to complete the SEIQoL, and proxy responses may be a necessary alternative.