The Functional Spatial Abilities Questionnaire for Use with Persons Who are in the Early Stages of Alzheimer Disease: Preliminary Data on Reliability and Validity

Abstract

The 12-item Functional Spatial Abilities Questionnaire (FSAQ) was developed for evaluating spatial orientation in clients who have progressive dementia of the Alzheimer type. Twenty-five clients in the early stages of Alzheimer disease, ten clients in the later stage of the disease and 97 normal subjects rated themselves on the questionnaire. A proxy version of the questionnaire was administered to a caregiver or relative of each subject in the three groups. The FSAQ demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability (ICCs = .84 to .85). Construct validity was examined in three ways. First, using the known group method, the proxy-ratings were shown to discriminate between early and late Alzheimer clients, but not the self-ratings. Second, there was a high agreement between the self-and proxy-ratings in the early Alzheimer group indicating concurrent validity. Third, the FSAQ scores did not correlate with mental status examination scores which provides evidence for discriminant validity. The FSAQ is quick to administer and provides occupational therapists with a basis for further evaluation of a client's ability to find his or her way in new or familiar environments.