ECF is a significant and independent correlate of functional status in normal aging. Traditional dementia case finding is likely to underestimate cognition-related disability. Neither a normal baseline MMSE score nor stable MMSE scores over time preclude functionally significant changes in ECF.

No abstract

ECF is a strong, significant, and independent correlate of functional status in normal aging. In contrast, decline in memory, as measured using the CVLT, has no independent association with the rate of change in functional status. This suggests that amnestic mild cognitive impairment can be associated with dementia only though the subsequent or comorbid development of ECF impairment.

The GDS and BCDRS performed well in the nursing home. As the GDS can serve as a both a case-finding and severity instrument, it is preferred. Use of brief, interviewer-administered tools may improve detection of depression in the nursing home.