Difficulty and help with activities of daily living among older adults living alone with cognitive impairment. Issue 8 (26th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Edwards, Ryan D.; Brenowitz, Willa D.; Portacolone, Elena; Covinsky, Ken E.; Bindman, Andrew; Glymour, M. Maria; Torres, Jacqueline M.
• Is Part Of: Alzheimer's & dementia. Volume 16:Issue 8(2020)
• Page Start: 1125
• Page End: 1133
• Publication Date: 2020-06-26
• Subjects: activities of daily living -- aging in place -- CIND -- dementia -- disability -- limitations -- living arrangement -- population‐based study -- service gaps; Alzheimer's disease -- Periodicals; Alzheimer Disease -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; Démence; Maladie d'Alzheimer; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.83
• DOI: 10.1002/alz.12102
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1552-5260

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: There is limited research on difficulties with activities of daily living (I/ADLs) among older adults living alone with cognitive impairment, including differences by race/ethnicity. Methods: For U.S. Health and Retirement Study (2000–2014) participants aged 55+ living alone with cognitive impairment (4, 666 individuals; 9, 091 observations), we evaluated I/ADL difficulty and help. Results: Among 4.3 million adults aged 55+ living alone with cognitive impairment, an estimated 46% reported an I/ADL difficulty; 72% reported not receiving help with an I/ADL. Women reported more difficulty than men. Compared to white women, black women were 22% more likely to report a difficulty without help, and Latina women were 36% more likely to report a difficulty with help. Among men, racial/ethnic differences in outcomes were not significant. Patterns of difficulty without help by race/ethnicity were similar among Medicaid beneficiaries. Discussion: Findings call for targeted efforts to support older adults living alone with cognitive impairment.