Approximately 30% of older adults have dementia. Disease progression has been found to be the largest predictor of function, and dementia has been found to influence fall risk. In order to identify individuals with dementia that may benefit from interventions to increase function and decrease fall risk, assessment tools for these domains that are validated in this population are necessary. The 7-item physical performance test (PPT) is a valid measure of balance and function in older adults; however its reliability has not been established in those with dementia. The purposes of this study are to establish intra-tester, inter-tester, and test-retest reliability of the 7-item PPT in people with dementia, and 2) to establish predictive validity of the 7-item PPT for falls in people with dementia.
