scholarly journals Associations Between Self- and Informant-Reported Abilities of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and Cognitive Functions in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Author(s):  
Xin Zhao ◽  
Wenjia Liang ◽  
Joseph H R Maes

Abstract Objective Older adults (OAs) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) show disabilities in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), which have been linked to compromised cognitive functioning. However, it is unclear which cognitive functions are primarily involved. The present study sought to identify the cognitive function(s) most strongly associated with the IADL limitations in MCI. Method OAs with MCI (N = 120) completed cognitive tasks measuring general cognitive processing speed, working memory (WM) maintenance and updating, inhibition, and shifting ability. IADL abilities were assessed through both self- and informant reports. Results Self-reported IADL abilities were positively associated with both cognitive processing speed and WM updating capacity. Informant-reported IADL abilities were also positively associated with processing speed and WM updating, in addition to cognitive shifting ability. Conclusion Both general processing speed and WM updating capacity were consistently predictive of IADL abilities. These results might inform the design of training programs aimed at maintaining or improving functional independence in individuals with MCI to focus more on these cognitive functions. However, the strength of the association between specific cognitive functions and IADL abilities in OAs with MCI depends on the source of the information about the IADL abilities, which highlights the need for gathering data from both the examinee and informants.

Author(s):  
Virginia G Wadley ◽  
Tyler P Bull ◽  
Yue Zhang ◽  
Cheyanne Barba ◽  
R Nick Bryan ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Cognitive processing speed is important for performing everyday activities in persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). However, its role in daily function has not been examined while simultaneously accounting for contributions of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk biomarkers. We examine the relationships of processing speed and genetic and neuroimaging biomarkers to composites of daily function, mobility, and driving. METHODS We used baseline data from 103 participants on the MCI/mild dementia spectrum from the Applying Programs to Preserve Skills trial. Linear regression models examined relationships of processing speed, structural MRI, and genetic risk alleles for AD to composites of performance-based instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), community mobility, and on-road driving evaluations. RESULTS In multivariable models, processing speed and the brain MRI neurodegeneration biomarker Spatial Pattern of Abnormality for Recognition of Early Alzheimer’s disease (SPARE-AD) were significantly associated with functional and mobility composite performance. Better processing speed and younger age were associated with on-road driving ratings. Genetic risk markers, left hippocampal atrophy, and white matter lesion volumes were not significant correlates of these abilities. Processing speed had a strong positive association with IADL function (p < .001), mobility (p < .001), and driving (p = .002). CONCLUSIONS Cognitive processing speed is strongly and consistently associated with critical daily functions in persons with MCI in models including genetic and neuroimaging biomarkers of AD risk. SPARE-AD scores also significantly correlate with IADL performance and mobility. Results highlight the central role of processing speed in everyday task performance among persons with MCI/mild dementia.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Iza Gomes da Penha Sobral ◽  
Cláudia Marina Tavares de Araújo ◽  
Marcos Felipe Falcão Sobral

Abstract Mild Cognitive Impairment is characterized as an intermediate form between age-related change and dementia. For the elderly, autonomy and independence are related to the ability to remain active in conducting their social activities and, for this to occur, communication is fundamental in this process. Objective: To assess the association between communication and the abilities of elderly people with mild cognitive impairment to perform instrumental activities of daily living. Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative, analytical, correlational study was conducted at the Open University of the Third Age (UnATI), a program of the Federal University of Pernambuco. This study included 92 people, comprising 46 elderly with mild cognitive impairment and a caregiver or family member who met the inclusion criteria. The elderly were asked to complete a sociodemographic questionnaire and Lawton-Brody’s Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. The caregivers were asked to complete the Functional Assessment of Communication Skills. The following variables were studied: social communication skills and instrumental activities of daily living. Data were stored in an Excel® 2007 spreadsheet, and the Pearson correlation test was used for the statistical analysis. Results: There were statistically significant correlations in four domains of social communication: referring to family members by name (p=0.0033); requesting information about people or events (p=0.0355); understanding conversations in a noisy environment (p=0.0448); and understanding what they watch on television or listen to on the radio (p=0.0127). Conclusion: Changes in the communication of elderly people with mild cognitive impairment interfere with their ability to perform instrumental activities autonomously and independently.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-310
Author(s):  
Sujin Eom ◽  
Ju-Young Ha

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify factors affecting reversion to normal cognition and progression to dementia from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) after 2 years.Methods: We analyzed data from the 6th and 7th “Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA)”. A total of 773 participants aged 65 years and above classified as having MCI according to the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination in the 6th survey were included in the study. Data were analyzed by SPSS 26.0 software using x2 test, t-test, Mann-Whitney test and logistic regression analysis.Results: Of all the participants, 30.5% reverted to normal cognition, 48.5% remained with MCI, and 21.0% progressed to dementia. Factors such as young age (odds ratio [OR]=0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94~0.99), the absence of diabetes (OR=1.49, 95% CI: 1.01~2.19), and frequent neighbor networks “at least once or twice a month” (OR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.26~4.37), and “at least once a week” (OR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.03~2.56) compared to “never or less than 6 times a year” significantly associated with reversion to normal cognition. Meanwhile, factors such as old age (OR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.05~1.12), low level of perceived socioeconomic status (reference. above middle) (OR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.05~2.41), low levels of instrumental activities of daily living (OR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.05~1.32), and a small number of social activities (OR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.51~0.96) significantly associated with dementia progression.Conclusion: The study indicates the necessity of follow-up research for developing interventions that could aid individuals in reverting to normal cognitive function by managing diabetes or encouraging interaction with neighbors and preventing the progression to dementia by improving Instrumental Activities of Daily Living levels or encouraging participation in social activities.


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