Neuropsychological Correlates of Performance Based Functional Status in Elder Adult Protective Services Referrals for Capacity Assessments

• NCJ Number: 243951
• Journal: Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect Volume: 25 Issue: 4 Dated: August - October 2013 Pages: 294-304
• Author(s): Jason E. Schillerstrom, M.D.; Elizabeth M. Birkenfield, B.S.; Anne S. Yu, B.S.; Minh-Phuong T. Le, B.S.; Daniel J. Goldstein, B.A.; Donald R. Royall, M.D.
• Date Published: September 2013
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The purpose of this study was to determine the independent relationship between neuropsychological screening instruments, particularly instruments sensitive to executive function, and performance-based functional tasks in elder referrals.

Abstract

We have previously described high rates of executive function impairment in clients referred by Adult Protective Services (APS) to geriatric psychiatry for decision-making capacity assessments. The purpose of this study was to determine the independent relationship between neuropsychological screening instruments, particularly instruments sensitive to executive function, and performance-based functional tasks in elder referrals. Our retrospective medical review (n = 75/157 referrals completed all neuropsychological and functional assessments) revealed that only the Executive Interview (EXIT25) contributed independent variance to money management performance (R2 = 0.29, p < 0.001), telephone use ability (R2 = 0.39, p < 0.001), and summed performance (R2 = 0.45, p < 0.001). Executive instruments may specifically inform decision-making capacity assessments. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.