Dexterity and Cognition in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Previous research has demonstrated that age-related decline in cognitive and sensorimotor functions are related to dexterity and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Few studies have closely investigated the association between dexterity and cognitive functions. The purpose of this study was to explore possible differences in dexterity, cognition and IADL function across a group of mild cognitive impaired elders and a group of healthy elders. 11 MCI participants and 12 healthy participants were subjected to a neuropsychological and psychomotor test battery. IADL assessment was collected by the Lawton & Brody semi-structured IADL interview. The results confirms a difference in dexterity task performance between MCI individuals and healthy elderly. Correlational analysis showed that global mental status, memory and lexical knowledge were significantly associated with dexterity performance. The IADL assessment showed no difficulties in IADL function in the MCI group. Implications are discussed and recommendations for further research suggested.