The Psychogeriatric Assessment Scales (PAS)

Abstract

The Psychogeriatric Assessment Scales (PAS) are designed to gather information on the major psychogeriatric disorders: dementia and depression. Rather than attempting to classify persons as simply well or ill, PAS scales rate depression, cognitive performance, cognitive change, behaviour change and history of stroke. This approach recognizes that only small differences may separate poorly functioning individuals classified as well from those classified as demented or depressed. Information is sought from both the person themselves and an informant who knows the person well. The interview is fully scripted and can be administered after only brief training. The scales derived from the interview are easily scored without additional equipment and are readily interpretable using a summary profile graph. Norms derived from a large Australian community sample are incorporated into the profile. The PAS is made available to users at no cost. Versions are available in English, French and a number of other languages. The PAS is designed to be useful in situations where reliable comprehensive assessment is desirable but specialist personnel are not available.