title: Cognitive dysfunction and self-care decision making in chronic heart failure: a review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Memory and executive function may be associated with poorer self-care management behaviors (indicators of self-care decision making). Dysfunction of self-care decision making processes often results in worsening of heart failure symptoms that necessitates hospitalization for acute management.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purposes of this literature review are to (a) synthesize the published literature (2000-2012) examining the relationship between cognitive dysfunction (CD) (executive function and memory) and self-care management decisions in heart failure (HF) patients; (b) identify gaps in knowledge; and (c) provide recommendations for future research to fill this gap.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature from January 2000-September 2012 was reviewed to determine the relationship between cognitive dysfunction and self-care decision making in patients with HF. Studies were included that used measures to examine the relationship between cognitive dysfunction and self-care decision making in patients with HF.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The ability to identify a significant relationship between CD and self-care decision making processes was limited by the paucity of studies, small sample sizes, use of convenience samples and the use of single center recruitment sites.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite the importance of memory and executive function in decision making, there is a paucity of studies describing the relationship between CD and self-care decision making processes. A knowledge gap exists regarding the relationship between CD and self-care decision making processes. The influence of executive function and memory on self-care decision making abilities needs further study in diverse populations, using standardized and valid measures for CD and self-care decision making processes.
authors: University of Michigan, School of Nursing, USA.
authors: Penny L
authors: PL
authors: Riley
authors: Cynthia
authors: C
authors: Arslanian-Engoren
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D003657:Decision Making; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Self-care; cognitive dysfunction; decision making; heart failure