Executive function, working memory, and medication adherence among older adults.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between cognitive processes and medication adherence among community-dwelling older adults. Ninety-five participants (M = 78 years) completed a battery of cognitive assessments including measures of executive function, working memory, cued recall, and recognition memory. Medication adherence was examined over 8 weeks for one prescribed medicine by use of an electronic medication-monitoring cap. In a simultaneous regression, the composite of executive function and working memory tasks was the only significant predictor (beta =.44, p <.01). Findings suggest that assessments of executive function and working memory can be used to identify community-dwelling older adults who may be at risk for failure to take medicines as prescribed.
Insel
Kathleen
K
University of Arizona, College of Nursing, P.O. 210203, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA. insel@nursing.arizona.edu
Morrow
Daniel
D
Brewer
Barbara
B
Figueredo
Aurelio
A
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003710:Demography; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012648:Self Care; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors