Accuracy of the Brazilian version of the functional activities questionnaire in the screening of dementia

Abstract

Background: Instruments for measuring functional disability of the elderly, such as the Functional Activities Questionnaire, can be used for the detection and prediction of dementia. Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of the Brazilian version of the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ-BR) in dementia screening. Methodology: Cross-sectional study with 265 elderly and their respective informants. The performance of the FAQ-BR was compared to the clinical diagnosis of dementia and their score compared to screening instruments for cognitive decline/dementia. The receiver operating curve (ROC curve) was used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the best cutoff. Results: The area under the ROC curve indicated an accuracy of 79.7% with cutoff point ≥ 14, which showed the highest sensitivity (80.0%) and specificity (72.0%). The FAQ-BR score showed high correlations with the scores of the cognitive decline/dementia screening instruments. Conclusion: The area under the ROC curve, sensitivity and specificity of the FAQ-BR were found to be inappropriate, and it was not possible to recommend its use in dementia screening.