Main description:

The CAMDEX-DS-II is a standardised structured schedule comprising the assessments necessary for facilitating the diagnosis of dementia in people with Down's syndrome (a group known to be at particular risk of dementia), as well as others with intellectual disabilities. In order to differentiate decline due to dementia or other mental disorders from pre-existing impairment, particular emphasis has been placed on establishing change from the individual's best level of functioning. Updated from the original CAMDEX-DS-II, the assessments comprise a structured informant interview to facilitate the systematic collection of information about presenting symptoms and clinical history in order to arrive at a differential diagnosis, and a direct assessment of the patient/participant covering cognitive assessment (CAMCOG-DS-II, providing a reliable way to identify dementia (and to differentiate it from other common disorders). The pack comprises a guidance manual, pictorial booklet, informant interview and CAMCOG-DS neuropsychological test battery. It may be used in community settings by mental health professionals as part of the diagnostic process, or to formalise diagnosis in the context of research.

Contents:

1. Manual
Introduction
Background
Validity
Updates
Description of the CAMDEX-DS-II
The CAMDEX-DS-II Schedule
Section 1: The informant interview
Section 2: Assessment of patient/participant
Guidance for Diagnosis
Section 1: Differential diagnosis
Section 2: Scoring
Section 3: Diagnostic criteria
Guidance for Interviewers
Example answers: Cognitive and functional decline
Example answers: Current mental health
References
Appendices: The CAMDEX-DS-II Schedule

2. Pictorial material for cognitive examination
3. Informant interview test sheets
4. Assessment of participant (CAMCOG-DS-II)