Introducing the AASC®: A Pragmatic Tool for Recognizing Agitation in Alzheimer's Dementia
Agitation in Alzheimer's Screener for Caregivers (AASC®)
Empowering Caregivers: An Easy-to-Use Tool for Recognizing Agitation in Alzheimer’s Dementia1
Caregivers are often the first to observe agitation behaviors. Still, many don't realize these are related to Alzheimer’s dementia and feel unsure about discussing them with Healthcare Providers (HCPs) until symptoms become untenable for the caregiver.2–4
The AASC® is a screener tool developed for caregivers to help identify agitation behaviors and help improve discussion between caregivers and HCPs.1
Alzheimer’s Screener for Caregiver (AASC®), a New Tool Created* With Caregivers in Mind to1:
The AASC® can be completed in less than a minute at home, waiting room, or doctor's office and uses a straightforward scoring method.1
*The AASC® was created with caregiver feedback along with agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia clinical experts and a patient representative.
What Is the AASC®?1
The AASC® is comprised of an introduction, followed by two main questions that screen for the presence and impact of agitation behaviors in patients with Alzheimer's dementia
Question 1
The first question includes seven sets of agitation behaviors. Each behavior requires a binary ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ response to whether the caregiver has observed it in the patient with Alzheimer’s dementia and if it’s a change from usual or past behavior.
Question 2
The second question asks for a binary ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ response based on whether the caregiver perceives any of the observed behaviors have had a negative impact on the patient’s relationships, activities, or willingness to receive care.
Scoring and Result
A positive screen for agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia requires a 'Yes' to any symptoms in Question 1 and a 'Yes' to Question 2.
A 'Yes' to Question 1 and a 'No' to Question 2 do not meet the criteria for clinically meaningful agitation, as the behaviors do not impact relationships, activities, willingness to receive care, or quality of life.
Why the AASC®?1
The Benefits
- The AASC® is a pragmatic, easy-to-use tool designed for caregivers
- Uses caregiver friendly language to help recognize agitation behaviors, which may lead to an earlier diagnosis and timely management of symptoms
- Empowers caregivers to recognize symptoms and advocate for their loved ones, reducing the medical and financial burdens associated with agitation in Alzheimer's dementia
Ease of Use
The AASC® takes ≤1 minute to complete and does not require direct involvement of the care recipient
Team of Experts
Developed by multidisciplinary Alzheimer’s experts, including primary care doctors, geriatricians, psychiatrists, neurologists, nurse practitioners, and a patient representative
Evidence-Based
AASC® is grounded in rigorous research and involved qualitative evaluation with caregivers
Ease of Communication
Designed to initiate discussions between caregivers and HCPs
How to Use the AASC®1
Access the AASC®
- Use the digital version or download and print the AASC® here
- Caregivers can complete it online or on paper
Complete the AASC®
- Fill it out at home or in the HCP Office
- It can be completed with or without the HCP present
- The AASC® may be used to reassess and monitor for changes in loved ones' behavior
Discuss With the HCP
- Bring the completed AASC® to the HCP or use it to initiate a conversation
- Use the AASC® to communicate the behaviors you are observing in your loved ones
Disclaimer: The AASC® is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool.
Expand your knowledge
Reference(s)
Agitation Associated with Alzheimer’s dementia. Agitation in Alzheimer’s Screener for Caregivers. Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory. International Psychogeriatric Association.
1. Clevenger C, et al. One Minute to Recognition: The Agitation in Alzheimer’s Screener for Caregivers (AASC®). The Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting; November 8-12, 2023; Tampa, FL. 2. Gilmore-Bykovskyi A, et al. Gerontologist. 2020;60(5):896-904. 3. Stella F, et al. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2015;30(12):1230-1237. 4. Richler LG, et al. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2023;31(1):22-27.