Subtle changes in daily functioning predict conversion from normal to mild cognitive impairment or dementia: an analysis of the NACC database
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: There are relatively small but observable changes in functional ability in those without Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. The present study seeks to understand whether these individuals go on to develop MCI or dementia by assessing the association between baseline Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) and conversion independent and after adjustment for cognitive tests. METHODS: The NACC database was used to conduct the analysis of which 7,625 participants were initially identified as having more than one visit and who were cognitively normal at their first visit. Cox proportional hazards were used to fit three models that controlled for executive and non-executive cognitive domains. A similar model was used to assess the effect of FAQ subcategories on conversion. RESULTS: Of these individuals, 1,328 converted to either MCI or dementia by visit 10. Converters had a total visit 1 FAQ score significantly higher than non-converters indicating more functional impairment at baseline. After adjustment for cognitive tests, the association between visit 1 FAQ and subsequent conversion was not attenuated. Doing taxes, remembering dates, and traveling were individually identified as significant predictors of conversion. CONCLUSIONS: The FAQ can be used as an indirect measure of functional ability and is associated with conversion to MCI or dementia. There is a selective and significant association between changes in financial ability and conversion that is in accordance with other research of financial capacity.
Source: International Psychogeriatrics
Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,500
Awards: UC Davis Alzheimer's Disease Core Center, Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, University of Kentucky Alzheimer's Disease Core Center, Neurobiology of Alzheimer's Disease and Aging, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center, UCSD Alzheimer's Disease Research Center P50, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, UCLA Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Alzheimer's Disease Core Center, The Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at the University of California, Irvine, Stanford Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Oregon Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush Alzheimer's Disease Core Center, Alzheimer's Disease Core Center, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center - Overall, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Core Centers, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Yale Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Arizona Alzheimer's Disease Core Center, Johns Hopkins Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Center, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Alzheimer's Disease Core Center, Emory Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Florida - Mt. Sinai Medical Center AD Research Center, New Approaches to Dementia Heterogeneity, Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
OpenAlex ID: W2513976539