The adaptive behavior dementia questionnaire (ABDQ)

Abstract

The concept of adaptive behavior has been defined by Heber in 1961 as "the effectiveness with which the individual copes with the nature and social demands of this environment" and by Gunzberg in 1977 as "the extent to which an individual is able and willing to conform to the customs, habits and standards of behavior prevailing in the society in which he lives; by the degree to which he is able to do so independently of direction and guidance and by the extent to which he participates constructively in the affairs and conduct of his community." Adaptive behavior scales (ABSs) assess an individual's current abilities as they are manifested in a given situation. Several measures and patterns of behavior are assessed in different situations to give an overall assessment. Individual items are grouped together into domains. Such domains include, for example, communication, dressing, feeding, and toileting.