Cognitive function in community-dwelling elderly women. Attentional demands and capacity to direct attention.

Full Abstract

As individuals get older, their capacity to direct attention (CDA) appears to decline. The decline in CDA may be caused by age-related changes in the brain and demands on attentional mechanisms. These demands require older adults to expend significant attentional effort to maintain focus and achieve mental clarity while negotiating activities of daily life. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between attentional demands and CDA among a convenience sample of 72 community-dwelling older women with normal mental status. Findings indicate attentional demands correlated significantly with CDA and accounted for a significant proportion of the variance. No relationship was found between depressive symptoms and CDA. Implications for practice are nursing interventions aimed at decreasing attentional demands, thereby supporting attentional processes and functioning by community-dwelling older adults.

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Author information

Author/s: Jansen, Debra A (DA); Keller, Mary L (ML);

Affiliation: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire School of Nursing, Adult Health Nursing, 105 Garfield Avenue, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54702-4004, USA.

Grants: 1 F31 NR07033-01A1 (Agency:NINR NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Journal: Journal of gerontological nursing (J Gerontol Nurs), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2003-Jul; vol 29 (issue 7) : pp 34-43

Dates: Created 2003/07/23; Completed 2003/09/04; Revised 2007/11/14;

PMID: 12874938, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Activities of Daily Living
Aged - psychology
Aged, 80 and over
Attention
Cognition Disorders - etiology; prevention & control; psychology
Depression - psychology
Female
Geriatric Nursing
Health Status
Humans

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