Evaluating disability over discrete periods of time

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Epidemiology
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Advancing disability assessment requires further developmental work.
• Evaluating disability over specific timeframes necessitates refined methodologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the potential value of participant recall in assessing disability over discrete time periods.
• To investigate the accuracy and predictive value of self-reported disability in older adults.

Main Methods:

• A study of 491 older adults (≥76 years) in New Haven, Connecticut.
• Comprehensive assessment including new questions on Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
• Monthly telephone interviews assessed ADLs before and after the comprehensive assessment; chronic disability defined as new disability for ≥3 consecutive months.

Main Results:

• Participant recall identified up to 50% of incident disability episodes missed by other methods.
• Recalled disability episodes significantly increased the risk of subsequent chronic disability (aHR=2.5).
• Recall accuracy for disability absence decreased with longer assessment intervals (1-12 months).

Conclusions:

• Participant recall shows promise but has limitations for disability ascertainment in older persons.
• Increased assessment intervals significantly reduce the accuracy of recalled disability absence.
• Additional strategies are necessary for complete and accurate disability assessment in the elderly.