Dr Stephen Miller, University of Georgia
Age-related declines in thought processes influence our ability to function independently.
Consistent and inevitable changes occur in many basic cognitive processes as we age, including memory, information processing, attention to multiple stimuli, manoeuvring effectively in space, and even some aspects of language such as naming and language fluency. Marked decline in cognition occurs as dementia sets in as well. It makes sense that these changes affect our ability to function independently. However, the literature on this topic is controversial. While many studies find some relationship between age-related cognitive changes and subsequent ability to function independently, the size and even direction of those relationships is contentious, and surprisingly not strong. Research suggests that measurement issues influence this inconsistency and the weak relationships.
Multiple studies indicate that the most valid measurement of the relationship between cognition and functional independence is obtained when a performance-based evaluation of functional independence is made. When performance-based evaluations occur the relationship between age-related cognitive changes and functional independence is found to be strong. These findings should influence policy, diagnostics and evaluation of decision-making authorities when it comes to older adult assessment.
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