Subjective memory complaints and difficulty performing activities of daily living among older women in Australia

Abstract

Background/aim Increased age and cognitive decline have been linked to difficulties with activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Cognitive decline can often be signalled by complaints about one's cognition, such as memory. With older Australians living longer, there is an increasing proportion of the population at risk of declined performance in daily tasks. The aim of this study was to identify if subjective memory complaints in later life among older women predict changes in independence in performing ADL and IADL. Methods Data were from 3721 women born 1921–1926, who completed Surveys 4–6 of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Memory complaints and difficulties on ADL were measured at each survey, using the Memory Complaint Questionnaire and 16 questions regarding specific ADL. Latent growth modelling examined correlations between initial scores on each measure, changes in measures, and the association between memory complaints and changes in ADL and IADL. Results There was a significant association between baseline scores for subjective memory difficulty and baseline ADL and IADL scores. Initial memory difficulty was also associated with increase in ADL and IADL difficulty. Conclusions Subjective memory complaints may be a risk factor for decline in performance on ADL. Attention to these concerns may be important in identifying functional decline in older age.

Emotional Functioning and Sense of Hope as Contributors to Healthy Aging

“…However, we hypothesized that a person's emotional functioning and sense of hope may affect their participation in life and sense of wellbeing. Confirming prior research findings, older adults who were classified as independent in ADL participated more in activities at home and in the community and were more satisfied with their lives (Cordier et al, 2018;Wilson et al, 2013). They expressed higher sense of hope and their emotional status was more positive than older adults classified as dependent in ADL.…”

“…The increase in life expectancy presents challenges in understanding how to best promote healthy aging and create health systems and economic policies to support the growing aging population (Bloom et al, 2015;Whitley et al, 2016). Current research is beginning to recognize that maintaining engagement in meaningful occupations, wellbeing and independence may be a stronger factor in healthy aging than health status alone (e.g., Chippendale & Boltz, 2015 ;Cordier et al, 2018;George & Gough, 2018).…”

“…Physical health, combined with psychosocial wellbeing, affects participation in meaningful occupations (Gow et al, 2012;Stevens-Ratchford, 2005). Older individuals experience a complex array of physiological, psychological, cognitive, and social changes in their lives which may challenge their ability to engage in meaningful occupations (Chimich & Nekolaichuk, 2004;Chow et al, 2007;Cordier et al, 2018;Lena et al, 2011;Wilson et al, 2013). Despite the wealth of research addressing the cognitive and physical decline, there is a dearth of research exploring whether emotional factors affect older adults' wellbeing and participation (Bar-Haim Erez et al, 2016;Chen & Chippendale, 2017).…”

“…Cognitive functioning and emotional status are important in promoting participation and wellbeing in later life (Cordier et al, 2018;Raji et al, 2002). Although many older adults maintain their cognitive and emotional abilities, some older adults experience a cognitive decline resulting in increased limitations in performing instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and activities of daily living (ADL) (Cordier et al, 2018;Küster et al, 2016). However, the aging process does not directly affect emotional functioning; rather, lack of social support may affect older adults' emotional state (Golden et al, 2009;Oladeji, 2011).…”

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living: The Processes Involved in and Performance of These Activities by Japanese Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Subjective Memory Complaints

“…A previous study examining the relationship between SMCs and well-being in older community-dwelling adults reported that SMCs were associated with low well-being, daytime sleepiness, and low IADL performance [9]. Several studies have suggested a relationship between the female gender and SMCs and IADLs [10,11]. It is conceivable that complex IADL independence is likely to decline once a person begins to experience SMCs.…”