The relationship between mini mental state exam scores and use of assistive devices to address physical impairment among home-based older adults with chronic conditions.

摘要

Cognitive impairment may affect the use of assistive devices for physical impairment (AD for PI). The purpose of this study was to determine any association between the numbers of AD for PI used by individuals with disability with their MMSE scores. A secondary analysis was carried out on the data of 714 home-based older adults aged 60 years and above. Statistical analysis using scatter plots, curve estimate procedure of regression analysis, and ANOVA revealed that the pattern of AD for PI at cognitive level is curvilinear. Lowest number of AD for PI is used by people with moderate cognitive impairment (10-17). For people with severe cognitive impairment (0-9) the use rise indicating increased caregiver's assistance. The MMSE levels explain 15 % of the variance for AD for PI use. Introducing AD for PI at mild cognitive impairment (18-23) may be beneficial for older adult's continued home living.