Validity of two scales in identifying HIV-associated dementia

Objectives: To examine and compare the validity of the HIV Dementia Scale ( HDS) and Executive Interview (EXIT) in detecting HIV/AIDS dementia. Methods: The sample included hospitalized or skilled nursing/assisted-livin g facility (SNF) HIV/AIDS patients (N = 103). Participants completed the HD S, EXIT, and the Structured Clinical Interview from the Diagnostic and Stat istical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV). A chart review al so was performed. Results: Sample was predominantly male (93%) and white (79%), with a mean a ge of 38 years (standard deviation [SD] 8 years). Twelve patients had a cli nical diagnosis of HIV dementia. Cutoff scores of 10 or less for the HDS an d 11 or more for the EXIT optimized sensitivity and specificity. Education level was related to performance for both tests. Using separate logistic re gression analyses, the HDS and the EXIT were significant individual predict ors of dementia. When entered together, the EXIT was the only significant p redictor of dementia. Selected items of the HDS and EXIT also performed wel l in identifying patients with dementia. Conclusions: The HDS and the EXIT show promise as brief, well-tolerated scr eening tools for HIV dementia in ill patients. The HDS was more sensitive, but the EXIT added additional predictive power over the HDS in identifying dementia.