Tests of Executive Function Predict Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in Community-Dwelling Older Individuals

Results indicated that different tests of executive functioning were associated with outcomes on performance-based versus caregiver-rated assessments of IADLs, depending on the type of assessment instrument used.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of specific tests of executive functioning for predicting instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) in community-dwelling older individuals (n = 30). In addition to tests of frontal and executive functioning, performance-based and caregiver-rated evaluations of IADLs were obtained. Results indicated that different tests of executive functioning were associated with outcomes on performance-based versus caregiver-rated assessments of IADLs. Specifically, the Trail Making Test (Part B) made a significant and unique contribution to the prediction of performance-based IADLs. In contrast, verbal fluency performance and Trail Making Test performance made significant independent contributions to the prediction of IADLs as reported by a caregiver. These findings suggest that different aspects of frontal and executive functions may be related to IADLs, depending on the type of assessment instrument used. Key words: activities of daily living, executive function, older adults