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The DAFS is a standardized observation-based checklist designed to assess functional capabilities of adults with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and schizophrenia. It can be used for evaluation and re-evaluation to assess any decline and effect on function of pharmacological intervention. Intended for use in outpatient settings, the DAFS requires approximately 30–35 min to administer. The examiner needs the evaluation form, pen or pencil, and ADL materials for testing. Simulated daily tasks are observed in the seven following areas: time orientation (score range 0–8), communication (score range 0–9), transportation (score range 0–13), finance (score range 0–7), shopping (score range 0–6), grooming (score range 0–13), and eating (score range 0–10). Possible total composite scores range from 0 to 106, with higher scores indicating better functioning.
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In 1989, a new scale for assessment of functional status for patients with Alzheimer’s disease...
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References and Readings
Barrett, J. J., Hart, K. J., Schmerler, J. T., Willmarth, K., Carey, J. A., & Mohammed, S. (2009). Criterion validity of the financial skills subscale of the direct assessment of functional status scale. Psychiatry Research, 166(2–3), 148–157.
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Loewenstein, D. A., Amigo, E., Duara, R., et al. (1989). A new scale for the assessment of functional status in Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders. Journal of Gerontology, 44(4), 114–121.
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Gary, K.W. (2011). Direct Assessment of Functional Status. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79948-3_1932
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