INTROCUTION: The relationship between functional ability and neuropsychiatric or cognitive factors in older adults with cognitive complaints (CCs) remains unexplored in Latin America.
METHODS: 290 community-dwelling older adults with CCs were recruited. Multiple regression analyzed the association between activities of daily living (ADLs) and neuropsychiatric and cognitive factors. Variance proportion in ADLs were further explored.
RESULTS: Apathy was associated with reduced functional ability (T-ADLQ global score [β = -0.42, 95% CI -0.57, -0.28]). Depression was linked to impaired advanced ADLs (β = 0.94, 95% CI 0.09, 1.79) and basic ADLs (β = 0.22, 95% CI 0.03, 0.42). Naming and speeded processing were significantly associated with global ADLs ((β = -0.55, 95% CI -0.99, -0.12); (β = 0.26, 95% CI 0.04, 0.48), respectively) and distinct ADLs sub-scores.
DISCUSSION: Neuropsychiatric and cognitive factors affect ADLs based on their complexity. These results call for targeted interventions supporting independence in Latin American older adults.
