Clinical Efficacy of the Individual Tests in 7 Minute Screen Test(7MS) / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to provide standard data of the individual tests in 7MS that could generalized for Korean elderly according to age and education. We also evaluated diagnostic efficacy of each test in 7MS. METHODS: Data on demographic characteristics of 311 normals were gathered for comparison. We also assessed two differences between normal and dementia group in individual tests of 7MS. RESULTS: All individual tests of 7MS showed significant differences in sex, age, and education, except for ECR. But there were no significant differences in sex controlling age and education. As a result of ROC curve, the ability of the ECR test to discriminate between AD and normal subject appeared superior. The scores of the individual tests of 7MS among CDR 0.5 and 1 group and normal group were compared. It was also found that the ECR test stands out among 7MS tests. CONCLUSION: The 7MS, particularly ECR, had the highest sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of AD as well as early dementia. It suggests that the individual tests of 7MS are useful to predict early dementia, without using the complex logistic regression equation.

Cognitive Functions of Korean Elders Over 100 Years of Age

BACKGROUND: Almost no study has been carried out to explore the cognitive characteristics of the oldest old population in Korea, even though Korean society is becoming very 'old'. The purpose of this study is to the examine basic cognitive functions of Korean elders over 100 years of age. METHODS: Data collection was completed with 87 elders, 12 males and 75 females. Their mean age was 103.2 for males and 102.3 for females. The average year of education for this population was less than 1 year(0.5 year). We evaluated cognitive functions by K-MMSE and the severity of dementia by CDR (Clinical Dementia Rating). RESULTS: Most of them were able to speak fluently(81.6%) and had reasonable vision(67.8%), but 55.2 % of subjects had full comprehension ability. There was no significant difference in results between elders from Seoul and from other country area. We have divided the sample population into 5 groups according to CDR score; 0(7.4%), 0.5(33.3%), 1(25.9%), 2(14.8%), 3(18.5%), to compare with K-MMSE score. There were significant differences in K-MMSE scores between CDR groups. DISCUSSION: About 7% of elders over 100 years of age are still maintaining normal cognitive function. Considering the physical handicaps of the subjects, probable dementia group(30%) can also be regarded as to possess near normal cognitive function. This study is the first study on Korean centenarians and will provide essential data for future studies on the oldest old.

The Reliability and Validity of Korean Parent and Teacher ADHD Rating Scale / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVE: It is important to identify and treat ADHD children early to prevent secondary academial and emotional problem. The Purpose of this study is to investigate the reliability and validity of Korean parent and teacher ADHD Rating Scale. METHOD: First to sixth graders in two elementary schools in Anyang City participated in this study. Teachers and parents completed ADHD Rating Scale. Additionally parents completed K-CBCL and Conners scale. Descriptive statistics, correlation, t-test and analysis of variance were performed. RESULT: A total of 1044 students participated in this study. Correlation of rater reliabilities between parent and teacher was significantly close. And Internal consistency by age was high. As correlations among ARS, K-CBCL, Conners scale were high, the ARS scores can be validated. CONCLUSION: Korean parent and teacher ADHD Rating Scale has high reliability and validity. This scale will be a useful tool for ADHD evaluations and diagnosis. A study of comparing clinical groups is suggested.