Memory, fluid reasoning, and functional capacity in adults experiencing homelessness

Abstract

Background and Objective

In individuals experiencing homelessness, determinants of functional capacity (i.e. the ability to perform activities of daily living) are poorly understood. Identifying potentially modifiable correlates of functional capacity, such as cognitive abilities, may inform treatment targets to address independence and housing stability. This study aimed to identify the strongest neuropsychological predictors of variance in functional performance in 100 adults living in a homeless shelter.

Methods

Participants completed a brief cognitive screening test, from which four composite scores were derived, as well as tests of processing speed, fluid reasoning, premorbid intellectual function, and performance-based functional capacity. We conducted a hierarchical linear regression to predict variance in functional capacity.

Results

Beyond the impact of education and premorbid intellectual function, better memory and fluid reasoning predicted better functional performance.

Conclusions

Although our cross-sectional design does not permit causal inference, it is possible that interventions targeting memory and fluid reasoning may improve functional ability in individuals experiencing homelessness.

Keywords:

• Cognition
• neuropsychological tests
• functioning
• homeless persons

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by the UC San Diego Academic Senate. The effort of Jacqueline Maye was supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs Advanced Fellowship Program in Mental Illness Research and Treatment (VASDHS/UCSD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs San Diego Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health. The efforts of Zanjbeel Mahmood, Lea Vella, and Ryan Van Patten were supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (T32MH019934). Dr. Twamley gratefully acknowledges the support of a VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Research Career Scientist Award. The authors especially appreciate the contributions of the participants in this study.