Aspects of Attention Predict Real-World Task Performance in Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

More research is needed to examine the relationship between specific neuropsychological functions and observation-based daily activity tests in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Fifty-six patients with AD were administered tests of attention and processing speed and an observation-based activities-of-daily-living (ADL) task. Complex short-term attention capacity best predicted real-world task performance, accounting for several domains of ADL functioning. These results suggest that complex attention requiring working-memory systems, but not simple attention or processing speed, account for moderate portions of variability in daily task performance. These results may aid in understanding the attentional processes required for performing daily activities and can be useful to health care professionals in treatment planning.

Key words:

• aging
• attention/perception
• neuropsychology
• tests

Notes

Note. DAFS Total score includes scores for Grooming and Eating subtasks.

*p < .05. **p < .01.

Note. For the analysis, age and education were entered as the independent variable into the first block, Digit Span Total and Digit–Symbol were entered as the independent variables into the second block, and DAFS subscales were entered as dependent variables. PPD = person, place, date; ID Currency = identifying currency; Bal. Checkbook = balance checkbook.

Note. For the analysis, age and education were entered as the independent variable into the first block, Digit Span Forward, Backward, and Digit–Symbol were entered as the independent variables into the second block, and DAFS subscales were entered as dependent variables. PPD = person, place, date; ID Currency = identifying currency; Bal. Checkbook = balance checkbook.