Occupational performance issues in older adults with subjective cognitive decline

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Science
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) affect older adults' daily functioning.
• Understanding occupational performance issues in these groups is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and categorize daily activity difficulties in older adults with SCD compared to those with MCI.
• To identify common patterns and specific challenges faced by each group.

Main Methods:

• A deductive quantitative content analysis was employed.
• Older adults with SCD (n=67) and MCI (n=42) were interviewed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure.
• Issues were categorized using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Main Results:

• Both SCD and MCI groups reported issues across all nine ICF "Activities and Participation" domains.
• The most affected domains included "Self-care," "Community, social and civic life," and "General tasks and demands."
• Over 90% of difficulties were linked to impaired "Mental functions," including memory and executive functions.

Conclusions:

• Older adults with SCD, despite independence, report significant daily activity challenges similar to those with MCI.
• Difficulties extend beyond memory to include executive dysfunction, impacting social, lifestyle, and task management.
• Rehabilitation interventions for SCD should address self-identified everyday functioning problems.