Tests of executive function predict instrumental activities of daily living in community-dwelling older individuals.
The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of specific tests of executive functioning for predicting instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) in community-dwelling older individuals (n = 30). In addition to tests of frontal and executive functioning, performance-based and caregiver-rated evaluations of IADLs were obtained. Results indicated that different tests of executive functioning were associated with outcomes on performance-based versus caregiver-rated assessments of IADLs. Specifically, the Trail Making Test (Part B) made a significant and unique contribution to the prediction of performance-based IADLs. In contrast, verbal fluency performance and Trail Making Test performance made significant independent contributions to the prediction of IADLs as reported by a caregiver. These findings suggest that different aspects of frontal and executive functions may be related to IADLs, depending on the type of assessment instrument used. Key words: activities of daily living, executive function, older adults
Cahn-Weiner
Deborah A
DA
Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Boyle
Patricia A
PA
Malloy
Paul F
PF
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012494:Sampling Studies