neuropsychiatric inventory
Standardized assessment tool measuring behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia patients.
Full Definition
The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) is a widely used clinical assessment tool designed to evaluate the presence, frequency, and severity of behavioral and psychological symptoms in patients with dementia. The instrument assesses 12 domains including delusions, hallucinations, agitation, depression, anxiety, euphoria, apathy, disinhibition, irritability, aberrant motor behavior, sleep disturbances, and appetite changes. The NPI also measures caregiver distress associated with each symptom. It is commonly used in both clinical practice and research to track symptom changes over time and assess treatment effectiveness.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as NPI in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The neuropsychiatric inventory revealed significant caregiver distress related to the patient's sleep disturbances." — assessment report
- "Baseline scores on the neuropsychiatric inventory will be used to monitor treatment response." — research protocol