[How do the elderly function? A study from the general practice]

Problems with instrumental activities of daily living are important in the caring for elderly people, in general practice as well. Impairment in activities and instrumental activities of daily living may be important indicators for early dementia. This study explored how people aged 65 years and over in general practice are performing on four instrumental activities of daily living.

General practitioners screened all people, aged 65 years and over, and meeting the inclusion criteria, they met during a period of one month. Personalia, instrumental activities of daily living and cognitive functioning were registered.

Twentytwo general practitioners included 1003 persons, with a mean age of 75 year. The majority of this group (81.6%) was rather autonomous. The main cause of functional impairment were transport problems. Cognitive functioning and functional loss were correlated.

Elderly people in general practice function better than is generally assumed. This phenomenon has important consequences for training and functioning of GPs as to the evaluation of activities of daily living. The fundamental role of IADL assessment therefore needs attention in the professional development of GPs.