The BASS is a screening tool
It is designed to assess social skills in dementia and comprises five subtests: Face Emotion Perception, Empathy/Theory of Mind, Social Disinhibition, Social Reasoning and Memory for New Faces (+ Facial Identification Task - optional)
Each subtest represents a domain of social cognition
Subtests are score individually, there is no overall total score
Administration time is approximately 20-25 minutes and can be administered at the bedside
Scoring should take under 5 minutes
The BASS is not a diagnostic tool. It is used to provide information about possible social skills deficits in dementia and should form part of a wider assessment process.
The BASS should be used with individuals who present with suspected or diagnosed dementia
The current validity evidence regards individuals 60+ years, however a study with participants under 60 has been conducted and is in preparation
If the individual is distressed about completing the test or states that they do not wish to complete the test
Research is yet to be conducted on the validity of the BASS when translated into languages other than English (underway)
Social skills are culturally bound. Please consider the appropriateness of the test and its interpretation if you are conducting the test on a person from a culture other than the normative population of the BASS (Australian).
It is standardised, valid and reliable
Social skills deficits can be an early sign of dementia. Identification of deficits in this area can provide information to inform the broader clinical picture and diagnostic process.
Social skills are crucial for maintaining strong relationships and supports. When they are affected it can place significant strain on relationships and affect care.
Knowledge of an individual's strengths and difficulties in social cognition can help clinicians, families and the individual to develop targeted strategies.
Based on normative data, the BASS tells you if the person is performing as expected compared to other people their age
The BASS does not provide information regarding the cause of the individual's cognitive impairment