Attentional deficits affect activities of daily living in dementia-associated with Parkinson's disease. Issue 10 (26th June 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bronnick, K; Ehrt, U; Emre, M; De Deyn, P P; Wesnes, K; Tekin, S; Aarsland, D
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 77:Issue 10(2006)
• Page Start: 1136
• Page End: 1142
• Publication Date: 2006-06-26
• Subjects: ADAS-cog, Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale—cognitive -- ADCS-ADL, Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study—Activities of Daily Living -- ADL, activities of daily living -- CDR, Cognitive Drug Research -- DLB, dementia with Lewy bodies -- MMSE, Mini-Mental State Examination -- PCA, principal component analysis -- PDD, dementia associated with Parkinson's disease -- UPDRS, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale; Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2006.093146
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To investigate the effects of attentional deficits on activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with dementia associated with Parkinson's disease (PDD). Method: 461 patients were assessed neuropsychologically. Factor analyses were used to differentiate attention from other cognitive functions and to differentiate different aspects of ADL functions. The effects of the attentional measure on ADL were examined using sequential multiple regression, controlling for age, sex, education, severity of motor symptoms and other cognitive functions. Results: Three cognitive factors were identified, with one factor emerging as a measure of vigilance and focused attention. This factor predicted different aspects of ADL status even after controlling for motor functions and other cognitive factors. The attention factor was the single strongest cognitive predictor of ADL status, matching the strength of the effects of motor functions on ADL status. Conclusion: Impaired attention is an important determinant of ADL functions in patients with PDD.