Reisberg et al developed the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) to stage the progression of dementia in a patient. The authors are from the New York Medical Center.
NOTE: The GDS is used in conjunction with the FAST of Reisberg (see Chapter 37) to assess impairment.
Scale
Cognitive Decline
Clinical Findings
1
none
normal cognitive function
2
very mild (minimal)
overlaps with age-related memory decline; may misplace things or forgets some names
3
mild
decreased work performance; may get lost when going to an unfamiliar place; some decrease in memory and concentration; deficits can be detected on detailed testing
4
moderate
needs assistance with complex tasks; obvious deficits in memory and concentration; may have problems when traveling
5
moderate to severe
needs assistance in choosing clothes to wear and some other activities; may be unable to recall important information
6
severe
needs assistance in most activities, may not recognize spouse or familiar family members at times, still remembers own name
7
very severe (extreme)
speech lost; may be unable to walk; completely dependent in activities of daily living, unable to remember own name
One variation of the scale has a stage between very mild and mild disease, termed "early Alzheimer's disease."
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