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. 2013 May;28(5):514-21.
doi: 10.1002/gps.3854. Epub 2012 Jul 12.

The relationship between functional status and judgment/problem solving among individuals with dementia

Ann M Mayo  1 , Margaret Wallhagen, Bruce A Cooper, Kala Mehta, Leslie Ross, Bruce Miller
Affiliations

The relationship between functional status and judgment/problem solving among individuals with dementia

Ann M Mayo et al. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2013 May.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relationship between functional status (independent activities of daily living) and judgment/problem solving and the extent to which select demographic characteristics such as dementia subtype and cognitive measures may moderate that relationship in older adult individuals with dementia.

Methods: The National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Universal Data Set was accessed for a study sample of 3,855 individuals diagnosed with dementia. Primary variables included functional status, judgment/problem solving, and cognition.

Results: Functional status was related to judgment/problem solving (r = 0.66; p < 0.0005). Functional status and cognition jointly predicted 56% of the variance in judgment/problem solving (R(2) = 0.56, p < 0.0005). As cognition decreases, the prediction of poorer judgment/problem solving by functional status became stronger.

Conclusions: Among individuals with a diagnosis of dementia, declining functional status as well as declining cognition should raise concerns about judgment/problem solving.

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Conflict of interest statement

No financial and personal relationships between authors and others that might bias their work exist. Potential conflicts do not exist.

Figures

Figure
Figure
The Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) moderated effect of the association between judgment/problem solving and functional activities MMSE Scores 1= at or below the first quartile 2= within the second and third quartiles 3= at or above the fourth quartile
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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