Functional Limitations in Older Adults Who Have Cognitive Impairment Without Dementia. (June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gure, Tanya R.; Langa, Kenneth M.; Fisher, Gwenith G.; Piette, John D.; Plassman, Brenda L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of geriatric psychiatry and neurology. Volume 26:Number 2(2013)
• Page Start: 78
• Page End: 85
• Publication Date: 2013-06
• Subjects: ADL -- IADL -- functional limitations -- functional impairment -- cognitive impairment; Geriatric neurology -- Periodicals; Geriatric neuropsychiatry -- Periodicals; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1177/0891988713481264
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0891-9887

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the prevalence of functional limitations among older adults with cognitive impairment without dementia (CIND). Methods: Secondary data analysis was performed using the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study data set. A total of 856 individuals aged ≥ 71 years were assigned to 3 diagnostic cognitive categories. A questionnaire was completed by a proxy informant regarding functional limitations for 744 of the 856 respondents. Results: Of the 744 patients, 263 (13.9%) had dementia, 201 (21.3%) had CIND, and 280 (64.8%) had normal cognition. Informants reported ≥1 instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs) limitation in 45% of the patients with CIND compared to 13% of the patients with normal cognition and 85% of the patients with dementia ( P < .001). The ADL impairments among individuals with CIND were primarily attributed to physical health problems (n = 41; 40%). Conclusions: Many individuals with CIND have impairment in a range of complex and basic daily activities, largely due to physical health problems.