The Hierarchy of Functional Loss Associated With Cognitive Decline in Older Persons

Abstract

This is the first prospective study using a large representative cohort of elderly persons to demonstrate that progressive cognitive decline is associated with a specific pattern of loss of functional tasks. Clear cognitive thresholds at which development of dependency in OARS functional items occurred. By providing estimates of the cognitive status of persons at the time at which they developed dependency in specific functional items, a natural hierarchy of functional loss associated with cognitive decline emerged. For caregivers, clinicians, and health policy makers, this information can help anticipate the pattern of functional decline and the subsequent care needs of persons with declining cognition, potentially improving the quality of life of these persons and their caregivers and playing an important part in health care planning.