Assessment of mood state in dementia by use of the visual analog mood scales (VAMS).

OBJECTIVE

The assessment of mood states in individuals with dementia is a challenging yet clinically useful task. The purpose of the present study was to examine the validity of the Visual Analog Mood Scales (VAMS) in individuals with dementia.

METHODS

Thirty-one patients who met diagnostic criteria for dementia completed the VAMS and a modified Profile of Mood States.

RESULTS

Authors found good convergent validity between all monotrait-heteromethod mood states. Excellent discriminant validity was found for VAMS Happy, Confused, Angry, and Energetic scales.

CONCLUSION

These results provide evidence for the validity of the VAMS in patients with dementia.