Abstract

Dementia is a cognitive disorder that can be caused by several underlying diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular disease. Dementia is not only characterized by declines in cognition, but is also associated with declines in instrumental and basic activities of daily living (ADLs). Cognitive decline generally begins prior to any declines in ADLs, and as cognitive impairments progress, the ability to independently perform ADLs begins to decline as well. Accurate assessment of ADL functioning, though critical to the diagnosis of dementia, can be difficult with the use of self-report measures. One objective measure of ADLs is the Functional Independence Measure (FIM); however, as the FIM is often only administered in inpatient settings, neuropsychologists do not always have access to the FIM. The study examined the relationship between performance on neuropsychological measures and the FIM to assist in clinician’s ability to predict declines in ADLs based on neuropsychological testing. Results indicated that the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was a significant predictor of the FIM Total, Psychosocial Adjustment, and Cognitive Functioning scores. Performances in the Memory domain also predicted FIM Cognitive Functioning scores. Performances on measures of Executive function did not predict scores on the FIM.

LLU Discipline

Clinical Psychology

Department

Clinical Psychology

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Grace J. Lee

Second Advisor

Colleen A. Brenner

Third Advisor

Elizabeth P. Cisneros

Fourth Advisor

Caroline Schnakers

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2019

Date (Title Page)

9-2019

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Cognitive Dysfunction; Neuropsychological Tests; Executive Function; Activities of Daily Living

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

xiii, 62 p.

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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