The influence of executive dysfunctioning on performance of ADL in AD patients.

Diephuis, F. (Floortje) (2010) The influence of executive dysfunctioning on performance of ADL in AD patients. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.

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Abstract

Objective. The objective of the present study was to examine the influence of executive dysfunctioning on activities of daily living (ADL) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients as measured with a performance based test. Methods. In five nursing homes data was gathered of 28 AD patients (16 men, 12 women; mean age 82.5 ± 7·4 yrs) regarding cognitive and ADL functioning. Cognitive tests measured global cognitive functioning (MMSE) and executive functioning. ADLs were measured with the Performance-based Activities of Daily Living Test (PAT). Generic functional motor tests were administered to determine confounding influences of physical functioning. Results. Bivariate correlations of the total group showed a significant correlation between the word fluency test (professions) and qualitative performance of IADL, BADLand total ADL. This EF test was also present in the total quantitative ADL and qualitative BADL logistic models, in which motor functioning and other explanatory variables were also included as confounders. In addition, age and sex also influenced aspects of ADL performance. As expected motor functioning did also contribute to ADL performance, particularly the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). After dividing the whole group in mild and moderate AD subgroups, no consistently clearer results were present. Although performance based ADL testing was considered superior to subjective tests, adaptations in the protocol of the PAT are necessary to make it a feasible test for AD patients. Conclusion. Only one EF test (word fluency professions) showed a relation with ADL performance, especially with regard to quality of BADL performance. A clear explanation for this limited and specific relation cannot be given.

Item Type:	Thesis (Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Kamsma, Y.
Faculty:	Medical Sciences
Date Deposited:	25 Jun 2020 10:41
Last Modified:	25 Jun 2020 10:41
URI:	https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/287

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