Comparison of the test of everyday functional abilities with a direct measure of daily function.
OBJECTIVE
To compare scores for dementia patients on a newly developed direct test of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) to scores on a widely accepted functional measure.


METHODS
In 27 community-dwelling dementia patients, scores for the Test of Everyday Functional Ability (TEFA) were compared with scores on a widely used direct test of daily function (Independent Living Scale; ILS).


RESULTS
Mini-Mental State Examination scores ranged from 5 to 28 (mean +/- SD = 20.7 +/- 6.37). There was a highly significant correlation between total TEFA and total ILS scores (r(25) = 0.892, p < 0.001) as well as many of the comparable subscales.


CONCLUSIONS
The TEFA is a valid measure of IADL competence for dementia patients.
Weiner
Myron F
MF
Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9129, USA. myron.weiner@utsouthwestern.edu
Gehrmann
Helena R
HR
Hynan
Linda S
LS
Saine
Kathleen C
KC
Cullum
C Munro
CM
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests