Some normative and psychometric data for the geriatric depression scale and the cognitive failures questionnaire from a sample of healthy older persons

As part of a study of the effect of lowering homocysteine concentrations on the cognition of the elderly, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) were administered to a sample of persons over the age of 65. Normative data from 272 healthy study volunteers, screened for the presence of major medical, neurological, and psychiatric conditions are presented for both the long and short (GDS-15) versions of the GDS, and the CFQ. Scores on the GDS were correlated with age, but not premorbid IQ as measured by the National Adult Reading Test, highest educational attainment, or gender. Percentile values are presented for comparing obtained raw scores with the normative data for the GDS, GDS-15, and CFQ. In addition, a regression equation is presented for determining age-based predicted scores on the GDS, together with percentiles for evaluating the discrepancies between obtained and predicted scores. CFQ scores were not correlated with any relevant demographic factors, including age, but were associated with scores on the depression scales. Both the GDS and CFQ were found have acceptable internal consistency and retest reliability, and to be comprised of items with good face validity.