Physical function versus cognitive status: Which better predicts independence in basic activities among long-lived...

This study aimed to compare physical function and cognitive status according to the level of dependence in basic activities of daily living (ADL) and to determine which of these variables better predict functional independence.

This cross-sectional study included 231 individuals over 90 years of age. Physical function was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and handgrip strength (HGS), and cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A binary logistic regression adjusted for age was conducted to identify which variables related to physical performance or cognitive status could predict independence in basic ADL.

The results showed that the model including TUG (OR = 4.3; 95% CI = 2.18-8.34) along with HGS (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.14-3.45) provided the best fit. This indicates that better performance on the TUG test increases the odds of independence by 4.3 times, and each increment in HGS doubles that chance.

We conclude that older individuals with better physical function and greater muscle strength are more likely to be independent in ADL.