Identification of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Preclinical and Prodromal Stages in Dementias: Development of a Screening Test for Mild Behavioral Impairment

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are a psychopathological dimension of neurodegenerative diseases, consisting of personality changes, behavioral disorders, and alterations in basic functions such as appetite or sleep, among others. The aim of this study was the construction and validation of a screening test to identify these NPS associated with neurodegenerative pathologies in preclinical and prodromal stages, based on the ISTAART criteria for Mild Behavioral Impairment (MBI). The sample consisted of 206 subjects over 55 years old (117 cognitively healthy, 89 with Mild Cognitive Impairment). 69% were women, the mean age was 77 years ( SD = 10.58). The new scale consists of 19 items and exhibited a one-dimensional structure. Confidence was excellent (α = .94 and Ω = .97) and there was evidence of convergent validity with the MBI-C test ( r = .88) and the NPI-Q ( r = .82). In addition, the scale demonstrated good sensitivity (.88) and specificity (.80). The scale allows evaluation of NPS in DCoL. It exhibits good psychometric properties and makes a useful tool in early diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies.