Physical and Functional Health Assessment in Normal Aging and in Alzheimer's Disease: Self-Reports vs Family Reports

Abstract

This longitudinal 2-year study compared self and family members' reports of physical and functional health among 40 patients with Alzheimer's disease and 53 age-matchednondemented healthy older persons. Functional health was consistently rated as more impairedby family caregivers of demented patients than by the patients themselves, a discrepancy not observed in the cognitively intact comparison group. Caregiver reports correlated significantlywith declines in patients' cognitive abilities as measured by formal testing, but self-reports didnot. Patients did recognize deterioration in ADLs over time, despite progressively worsening cognitive ability. These data indicate that the capacity for self-observation is partially preservedin Alzheimer's patients in mild to moderate stages. Patient self-reports can provide valuable data for clinicians, but should be supplemented by detailed information from caregivers.