Cognitive impairment is independently associated with reduced instrumental activities of daily living in persons with heart failure.

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is a disabling disease that often affects instrumental activities of daily living (instrumental ADLs). Despite high rates of disability in this population, little is known about the effects of cognitive impairment on instrumental ADLs in this population.

OBJECTIVE

The current study examined whether cognitive functioning predicts instrumental ADL performance in persons with HF.

METHODS

Persons with HF (N = 122; 68.49 [SD, 9.43] years; 35.2% female) completed neuropsychological testing, fitness assessment, and self-reported instrumental and basic ADL function as part of a larger protocol. Neuropsychological tests included the Mini-Mental State Examination and Trail Making Tests A and B. The 2-minute step test estimated fitness. Instrumental and basic ADL function was based on self-report on the Lawton-Brody Activities of Daily Living Scale. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to determine the independent contribution of cognitive function to ADLs in HF.

RESULTS

Heart failure patients reported high rates of impairments in instrumental ADLs, but indicated requiring little or no assistance with basic ADLs. Cognitive function showed incremental predictive validity for driving (R(2) change = .07, P = .03) and medication management (R(2) change = .14, P < .001). In each case, poorer neuropsychological test performance was associated with poorer instrumental ADL function.

CONCLUSION

In persons with HF, cognitive performance is an independent predictor of independence in driving and medication management. Strategies to maintain or improve cognitive functioning in HF may help patients remain functionally independent in their daily living.