Which assessment scale should a nurse use when assessing an elderly client for signs of Alzheimer's disease?

The BEHAVE-AD assessment scale is specifically designed to evaluate behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease in elderly patients. This scale focuses on identifying and quantifying the behavioral issues that often accompany dementia, making it highly relevant when assessing an elderly client for signs of Alzheimer's.

Understanding these specific behaviors can assist in tailoring care plans and interventions to manage symptoms effectively, thus providing a comprehensive approach to the assessment of the patient's condition. While other assessment tools mentioned have their uses in assessing depression or general cognitive functioning, they do not focus exclusively on the behavioral aspects associated with Alzheimer's disease, making the BEHAVE-AD the most suitable choice for this particular assessment need.