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BMC Geriatrics
Published in: BMC Geriatrics 1/2020

Open Access 01-12-2020 | Alzheimer's Disease | Research article

The role of physical and cognitive function in performance of activities of daily living in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease – a cross-sectional study

Authors: Frederikke K Clemmensen, Kristine Hoffmann, Volkert Siersma, Nanna Sobol, Nina Beyer, Birgitte B Andersen, Asmus Vogel, Annette Lolk, Hanne Gottrup, Peter Høgh, Gunhild Waldemar, Steen G Hasselbalch, Kristian S Frederiksen

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

Several factors may play a role in the ability of patients with Alzheimer’s disease to perform activities of daily living (ADL). The aim of this study was to examine the impact of different aspects of physical performance and cognitive functions on ADL in patients suffering from mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods

We conducted secondary analyses on cross-sectional baseline data from the randomized controlled multicentre study “Preserving quality of life, physical health and functional ability in Alzheimer’s Disease: The effect of physical exercise” (ADEX). In total, 185 AD patients (76 women and 109 men), with a mean age on 70,4 years, were included. Data from physical performance tests (Astrand cycle test, Timed up & Go (TUG), Sit to Stand test (STS)) and cognitive tests (Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Stroop Color and Word test (Stroop)) were used. Their associations with ADL, measured on the ADCS-ADL scale was assessed in multivariable regression analyses.

Results

SDMT and MMSE had significant, moderate correlations with total ADL (SDMT: r = 0.33, MMSE: r = 0.42) and instrumental ADL (SDMT: r = 0.31, MMSE: r = 0.42), but not with basic ADL. Adjusting for age and sex, the associations between SDMT and MMSE to total ADL and instrumental ADL persisted. No significant associations were found between Astrand, TUG, STS or Stroop and total ADL, basic ADL or instrumental ADL.

Conclusion

Total ADL and instrumental ADL are associated with cognitive functions, including executive function. No significant association between examined physical performance parameters and ADL functions was observed, and consequently does not support an impact of physical function on ADL functions in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease and relatively well-preserved physical function. Strategies aimed to improve cognition may be better suited to improve ADL function in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

Trial registration

NCT01681602. Registered 10 September 2012, retrospectively registered.
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Metadata
Title
The role of physical and cognitive function in performance of activities of daily living in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease – a cross-sectional study
Authors
Frederikke K Clemmensen
Kristine Hoffmann
Volkert Siersma
Nanna Sobol
Nina Beyer
Birgitte B Andersen
Asmus Vogel
Annette Lolk
Hanne Gottrup
Peter Høgh
Gunhild Waldemar
Steen G Hasselbalch
Kristian S Frederiksen
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-020-01926-9

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