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Low cognitive performance, comorbid disease, and task-specific disability: findings from a nationally representative
Caroline S Blaum1, Mary Beth Ofstedal, Jersey Liang
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. cblaum@mail.jhmi.edu
Summary
Low cognitive performance in older adults is linked to multiple chronic diseases and significant difficulties in daily functioning. This condition independently contributes to disability, increasing health burdens for many seniors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Investigates the prevalence and impact of low cognitive performance (LCP) in community-dwelling older adults.
- Examines the relationship between LCP and chronic diseases, functional limitations, and disability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between low cognitive performance and chronic diseases.
- To assess the link between LCP and difficulties in task-specific functioning and disability measures in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Assets and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest-Old Study (n=6600, age 70+).
- Defined LCP as the poorest 25th percentile of cognitive performance scores.
- Adjusted for demographic factors, education, chronic diseases, depressive symptoms, and sensory impairments.
Main Results:
- Over one-third of individuals with LCP had three or more coexisting chronic diseases.
- LCP was independently associated with functioning problems in 9 of 14 assessed tasks, including mobility.
- The association between LCP and some task difficulties was attenuated by chronic diseases.
Conclusions:
- Low cognitive performance coexists with multiple chronic diseases and is independently linked to broad functioning difficulties in older adults.
- LCP is a significant comorbid condition associated with chronic diseases and disability, increasing health burden.
- Chronic diseases can modify the relationship between LCP and task limitations, highlighting a complex interplay.