Introducing the AASC®: A Pragmatic Tool for Improving Recognition of Agitation in Alzheimer's Dementia

Agitation in Alzheimer’s Screener for Caregivers (AASC®)

A Pragmatic Tool for Improving Recognition of Agitation in Alzheimer’s Dementia1

Caregivers are often the first to observe agitation behaviors and play a crucial role in reporting these symptoms and assisting Healthcare Providers (HCPs) in making a timely diagnosis of agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia.1-3

Caregivers are often the first to observe agitation behaviors and play a crucial role in reporting these symptoms and assisting Healthcare Providers (HCPs) in making a timely diagnosis of agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia.1-3

However, many caregivers may not recognize the full breadth of agitation symptoms and are hesitant to discuss them with HCPs until symptoms become untenable.2–4

Rating scales that measure agitation are available (e.g. Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory [CMAI] and Neuropsychiatric Inventory [NPI]), but they are1:

Not designed to quickly and exclusively screen for agitation

Often scored differently by caregivers and HCPs

Not widely or easily used in clinical practice

Empowering Caregivers

Delayed reporting of symptoms may hinder timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.5

The Agitation in Alzheimer’s Screener for Caregivers (AASC®):

a pragmatic tool for agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia that was developed based on the IPA definition of agitation in cognitive disorders1

Explore AASC® Development

What Is the AASC®?1

The AASC® is comprised of an introduction, followed by two main questions which screens for both 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.

View AASC® Screener

Why the AASC®?1

The Benefits

  • The AASC® is a pragmatic, easy-to-use tool
  • Uses simplified, caregiver-friendly language
  • Supports caregiver and HCP knowledge and recognition of agitation behaviors
  • Improving caregiver recognition may lead to earlier diagnosis and timely management

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

Community

How HCPs Can Use the AASC® 3-Step Process

Access the AASC®:

  • Use the digital version or download and print the AASC® here
  • HCPs or caregivers can complete it online or on paper

Review AASC® With Caregiver During an Office Visit:

  • Utilize the AASC® to initiate a conversation with your patient’s caregiver about agitation symptoms they may be identifying
  • Systematically identify the behaviors that the caregiver may be observing

Educate Caregiver to Use the AASC® at Home:

  • Provide the caregiver with a printable version of the AASC® to be completed at home as they observe symptoms
  • Instruct the caregiver to complete the AASC® before the next office visit, and instruct them to bring it

Disclaimer: The AASC® is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool.

Learn more about agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia

Learn More About AAD

Reference(s)

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. 5. Bradford A, et al. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. 2009;23:306-314.

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