Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale: a critical evaluation

Abstract

This article discusses the role of scales to measure activities of daily living, in particular in Alzheimer’s disease, in the assessment and management of dementia. It explains the principles of activities of daily living measurement before introducing the reader to the Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale. Many scales have been developed for measuring activities of daily living, but few were specifically designed for individuals with mild dementia living in the community for completion by caregivers. Fewer still were designed with the assistance of caregivers themselves. The article considers the use of the Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale since its development and potential future changes. It also takes a longer look forwards at possible, more general advances in activities of daily living measurement.

• activities of daily living
• assessment
• dementia
• functional ability