Handgrip Strength, Depression, Dementia, Cognitive Function, and Their Predictive Effect on Functional Independence...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Global demographic shifts indicate a growing elderly population with increasing age-related comorbidities.
• Healthcare providers need to identify factors influencing functional independence in older adults for effective care.
• Maintaining independence in activities of daily living is crucial for the quality of life in aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the predictive effect of handgrip strength (left and right), depression, and cognitive function on functional independence in older adults.
• To investigate the relationship between specific health variables and the ability of elderly individuals to perform daily activities.

Main Methods:

• A predictive cross-sectional study design was employed with 84 physically independent older adults.
• Standardized instruments were used: Geriatric Depression Scale, Hachinski Ischemic Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Barthel Index.
• Handgrip strength was measured using a 90-kg hydraulic dynamometer.

Main Results:

• Multiple regression analysis revealed that cognitive function, left-hand grip strength, and lower depression levels significantly predict functional independence.
• These factors collectively explained 34% of the variance (R² = 0.34) in activities of daily living.
• The study included participants with a mean age of 84.89 years, with 58.8% being female.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive function, left-hand grip strength, and depression are significant predictors of functional independence in older adults.
• Interventions focusing on cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and managing depression are recommended to enhance functional independence.
• Larger sample sizes are needed to confirm findings and inform robust intervention design.