Cognitive predictors of functional decline in vascular dementia.
BACKGROUND
This study examined changes in cognitive-functional relationships in vascular dementia (VaD) over the course of one year.


METHODS
Twenty-four patients with probable VaD were administered the Dementia Rating Scale (DRS). Caregivers completed an informant-based measure of instrumental (IADL) and basic activities of daily living (BADL). Follow-up assessment was conducted one-year post-baseline.


RESULTS
Logistic regression revealed that changes in the DRS Initiation/Perseveration and DRS Memory subscales were significantly associated with declines in IADLs and BADLs, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Among patients with VaD, longitudinal changes in IADLs and BADLs are most strongly associated with changes in executive functioning and memory abilities, respectively. Findings suggest that different cognitive functions subserve complex instrumental and rote, habituated basic functional activities, and neuropsychological screening measures are useful in the prediction of such functional changes.
Jefferson
Angela L
AL
Alzheimer's Disease Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA. angelaj@bu.edu
Cahn-Weiner
Deborah
D
Boyle
Patricia
P
Paul
Robert H
RH
Moser
David J
DJ
Gordon
Norman
N
Cohen
Ronald A
RA
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D015140:Dementia, Vascular / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D008609:Mental Status Schedule