The impact of physical performance and cognitive status on subsequent ADL disability in low-functioning older adults.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the independent contributions of physical performance and cognitive status to subsequent levels of ADL disability in low-functioning non-institutionalized older adults.


METHODS
A prospective cohort study included 416 women and 141 men 57 years or older who were living in the community and who reported substantial physical limitation. Physical performance and cognitive status were assessed at baseline in 1993. ADL disability was assessed at baseline and in two follow-ups in 1994 and 1995. Data were analysed with correlation analyses and linear multiple regressions.


RESULTS
Both physical performance and ADL disability at baseline were highly predictive of subsequent ADL disability. Although cognitive status was slightly related to (subsequent) ADL disability, we found no independent contributions of cognitive status to subsequent ADL disability.


CONCLUSIONS
Measures of both physical performance and ADL disability may identify older low-functioning adults who may benefit from interventions to prevent them from further disablement.
Northern Centre for Healthcare Research, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. G.I.J.M. Kempen@med.rug.nl
G I
GI
Kempen
J
J
Ormel
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index