SEM model: cognitive function predicting activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living performance in older adults

• Main Author: Goh, Pei Swhen
• Other Authors: Wei Xing Toh
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Social Sciences; Cognitive function; Activities of daily living; Instrumental activities of daily living; Older adults
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/177765
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The present study examines the relationship between cognitive function and activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), specifically whether cognitive function can predict difficulties in ADLs and IADLs. Past research has found useful results in which our study is built on. This study intends to build upon past research, and to narrow the gaps in them. Most papers related to our topic of interest assessed cognitive functioning using one or two cognitive domains or a single screening tool. The same goes for ADLs and IADLs where mostly a single index was used in assessing their performance. Thus, this paper aims to broaden and deepen our understanding of cognitive function with ADLs and IADLs. Through incorporating evidence from other studies, a confirmatory factor analysis was done to create a latent variable for cognitive functioning and five cognitive domains: (1) Orientation, (2) Memory, (3) Visuospatial, (4) Executive Function and (5) Language and Fluency. Thereafter, structural equation modelling demonstrated that cognitive function had direct effects on difficulties in performing all specific ADL and IADL tasks. Thus, proving that cognitive function was a predictor of specific ADL and IADL tasks. However, our findings are limited in that it is based off individuals from the United Kingdom. Thus, it would be useful for future research to be conducted in other demographics to assess if the relationship between cognitive function and ADLs and IADLs would differ.