Persistent functional impairment as an early indicator of cognitive decline and dementia in cognitively normal older adults.

ABSTRACT: BackgroundFunctional independence is crucial for healthy aging, and its loss is a diagnostic criterion for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. However, functional impairment (FI) can emerge before dementia diagnosis. Early and accurate characterization of FI may help identify individuals at elevated risk of cognitive decline and dementia.ObjectiveExploring the utility of capturing persistent versus impersistent FI, to identify a higher-risk group for incident cognitive decline and dementia.MethodData from 11,793 cognitively normal (CN) older adults from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center were analyzed. Exploratory factor analysis identified four Functional Activities Questionnaire items-preparing hot drinks, preparing balanced meals, shopping, and traveling-representing prim

SUBMITTER: Ghahremani M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12855616 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature