Alzheimer’s Assessment Tool

Modified C-ADAT

In Dr. Shua-Haim’s capacity as one of the most experienced authorities on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), he was instrumental in the formulation of the C-ADAT (Caregiver’s – Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Tool). The C-ADAT organizes a large amount of information using accepted assessment tools into a one-page table. It builds upon the work of Barry Riesberg, M.D., who along with other prominent researchers in the study of AD, developed a global deterioration scale (GDS), which describes the deterioration of function in patients with AD according to performance standards. Also designed as a functional assessment tool for patients with AD by Dr. Riesberg, et al., the FAST staging describes the functional staging of AD as though it was a reversal of the normal development of the individual from infancy through adulthood. To formulate the C-ADAT table, Dr. Shua-Haim incorporated these two functional assessment tools for AD along with two other tools that assess daily activities and function of the elderly patient, in general.

Dr. Shua-Haim developed this invaluable tool in response to healthcare professionals’ and family members’ desire to understand the many facets of Alzheimer’s disease. The C-ADAT table organizes and condenses all of the research into a format that can be easily understood and utilized by anyone who provides care to a patient with AD. Additionally, in 2003, Dr. Shua-Haim, Dr. Lee and Juanita Smith conducted a study to validate a modified version of the C-ADAT tool. Dr. Shua-Haim shares this modified version with all of the caregivers who bring their loved ones to MAGA for treatment. The modified C-ADAT incorporates cognitive, functional, behavioral, prognostic and therapeutic information on patients with AD. It is a great asset for geriatric professionals and family caregivers in order to better comprehend the nature and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. After becoming familiar with the modified C-ADAT, many caregivers find the job of handling those with AD to be more manageable and far less stressful.