Calculation of CDR global score and calculator

Abstract

Purpose: We organized the methods for calculating the global score (GS) of the clinical dementia rating (CDR) and clarify the points to be noted when using publicly available calculators for calculating GS.

Methods: We investigated and organized the literature on the methods for GS calculation. We examined specific issues of the two calculators.

Results: There are two main rules for calculating GS set, one proposed by Morris and the other by Gelb. It is necessary to clarify which method is the basis for calculating GS. Note that the calculator from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Centre (NACC) gives different results from the rules set by Morris.

Conclusion: Although the use of CDR is becoming essential in clinical practice, care must be taken when calculating GS. We have developed our own calculator and would like many people to use it.