THE LOSS OF INDEPENDENCE IN ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING - THE ROLE OF LOW NORMAL COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN ELDERLY NUNS

Objectives. This study investigated the role of low normal cognitive f unction in the subsequent loss of independence in activities of daily. Methods. Of the 678 elderly nuns who completed cognitive and physical function assessments in 1992/93, 575 were reassessed in 1993/94. Mini -Mental State Examination scores were divided into three categories an d related to loss of independence in six activities of daily Results. Participants with low normal cognitive function at first assessment ha d twice the risk of losing independence in three activities of daily l iving by second assessment relative to those with high normal cognitiv e function. This relationship was largely due to a progression from to w normal cognitive function at first assessment to impaired cognitive function at second assessment and was associated with an elevated risk of losing independence in the six activities. Conclusions. Progressio n from low normal to impaired cognitive function was associated with l oss Of independence in activities of daily living. Thus, low normal co gnitive function could be viewed as an early warning of impending cogn itive impairment and loss of physical function.