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Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
Executive dysfunction is independently associated with reduced functional independence in heart failure
Michael L Alosco1, Mary Beth Spitznagel, Naftali Raz
1Department of Psychology, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
Journal of Clinical Nursing
|May 9, 2013
Summary
Executive dysfunction in heart failure patients is linked to difficulties with daily tasks and unhealthy behaviors like smoking. Early screening may improve patient management and independence.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neuropsychology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Executive function is crucial for independence, involving decision-making, planning, and monitoring.
- Executive dysfunction is prevalent in heart failure (HF) patients.
- Previous research indicates executive dysfunction impairs daily activities in various populations, but its specific role in HF requires further examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent relationship between executive function and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).
- To explore the association between executive function and health behaviors in older adults with HF.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 175 HF patients.
- Participants underwent neuropsychological testing and echocardiography.
- IADL performance was assessed using the Lawton-Brody Scale; cigarette use was self-reported.
Main Results:
- Reduced executive function was independently associated with poorer IADL performance.
- A specific link was found between executive dysfunction and difficulties in medication management.
- Executive dysfunction correlated with current cigarette use.
Conclusions:
- Executive dysfunction is linked to reduced functional independence and unhealthy behaviors in heart failure patients.
- Screening for executive function deficits can identify patients at risk for poor task performance and treatment adherence.
- Interventions like organizational aids may support independence in HF patients with executive dysfunction.
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