Alternate-form reliability of the Dementia Rating Scale-2

The Dementia Rating Scale-2 (DRS-2) is a frequently used assessment of cognitive status among older adults in both research and clinical practice. Despite its well-established psychometric properties, its use in serial assessments has posed limitations with regard to practice effects. The primary purpose of the present study is to provide preliminary evidence of alternate-form reliability for the DRS-2. A heterogeneous sample of 52 community-dwelling adults over age 60 with no reported diagnosis of dementia were administered the DRS-2 as well as a newly developed alternate form [DRS-2: AF; Schmidt, K. S. (2004). Dementia Rating Scale-2 Alternate Form: Manual supplement. Lutz, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources]. Our results reveal strong correlations between the two forms; further, no significant differences were found between total scale and subscale scores obtained from the two forms. Therefore, the DRS-2: AF may be a valuable assessment tool in both research and clinical arenas.