Associations among Braak stage, Parkinsonian Gait, Cognition and Functional Status in Autopsy-confirmed Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Winter 2-6-2019
Journal Title
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Volume Number
34
Issue Number
5
First Page
1
Last Page
15
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.5080
Disciplines
Nursing
Abstract
Objective
Compromised functional abilities in older adults with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) represent a significant burden to families and frequently lead to institutionalization. Contributing factors to this compromise are poorly understood.
Methods
Using data collected at a first study visit, multiple regression modeling was used to examine the associations between Braak staged Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology, Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) status, Parkinsonian gait, cognition, and functional status from a cohort of 102 cases with an autopsy‐confirmed diagnosis of dementia stemming from combined Lewy body and AD pathology.
Results
On average, 60% of functional activities were compromised per case. Worse functional status was associated with older age at first study visit, compromised cognitive status, and Parkinsonian gait after controlling for gender, mental status, and other covariates. Worse cognitive status predicted worse functional status in both the low and high Braak groups.
Conclusions
Older persons with DLB presenting with moderately compromised cognition and Parkinsonian gait should be expected to have impaired functional abilities. Providing these patients with supportive environments may help them to remain independent for longer periods of time.
Digital USD Citation
Mayo, Ann M. RN, DNSc, FAAN and Peavy, Guerry M. PhD, "Associations among Braak stage, Parkinsonian Gait, Cognition and Functional Status in Autopsy-confirmed Dementia with Lewy Bodies" (2019). School of Nursing and Health Science: Faculty Scholarship. 28.
https://digital.sandiego.edu/nursing_facpub/28
Notes
Original publication information:
Mayo, A. M.& Peavy, G. M. (2019). Associations between Braak stage, Parkinsonian gait, cognition and functional status in autopsy-confirmed dementia with Lewy bodies. Journal of International Geriatric Psychiatry, 34(5), 738-744.