Overview
A semi-structured interview with the patient and an informant that stages dementia severity across six cognitive and functional domains.
Use cases
Inclusion criteria and primary endpoint in Alzheimer's disease-modifying trials.
Assessment intelligence
- Score range
- 0 – 3
- Direction
- Higher = worse
- Scoring method
- Algorithm
- Time to score
- ~40 min
Subscales
- Memory0-3
- Orientation0-3
- Judgment & Problem Solving0-3
- Community Affairs0-3
- Home & Hobbies0-3
- Personal Care0-3
Cutoff thresholds & interpretation
| Severity | Threshold | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| None | 0 | No dementia |
| Questionable | 0.5 | MCI / very mild dementia |
| Mild | 1 | Mild dementia |
| Moderate | 2 | Moderate dementia |
| Severe | 3 | Severe dementia |
Global score derived by Morris algorithm from six domain box scores. CDR-SB sum-of-boxes (0-18) is widely used as a continuous outcome.
Editorial notes
Excellent inter-rater reliability (~0.9) with structured training; CDR Sum of Boxes used in trials.
Available languages
Validation studies (2)
- A new clinical scale for the staging of dementiaHughes CP, Berg L, et al. · British Journal of Psychiatry · 1982DOI: 10.1192/bjp.140.6.566
- CDR Sum of Boxes as outcome in AD trialsO'Bryant SE, Waring SC, et al. · Archives of Neurology · 2008DOI: 10.1001/archneur.65.8.1091
Related assessments
MMSE
Mini-Mental State Examination
Brief cognitive screen for dementia.
MoCAMontreal Cognitive Assessment
Cognitive screen with strong MCI sensitivity.
ACE-IIIAddenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III
Multi-domain cognitive screen with subtype sensitivity.
ADAS-CogAlzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale - Cognitive
AD trials cognitive endpoint (11- and 13-item forms).