A-08 Predictors of Everyday Problem Solving in Subtypes of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Abstract Objective The Everyday Problems Test (EPT) evaluates problem solving ability needed to complete activities of daily living (ADLs), such as medication and financial management. This study assessed the contributions of executive functioning and subtypes of memory on everyday problem solving in healthy aging, amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and non-amnestic MCI. Method Participants included healthy older adults (n = 56) and individuals with MCI (amnestic MCI n = 25; non-amnestic MCI n = 36). Composite scores were derived for Executive Functioning (Trail Making Test-B and FAS), Immediate Memory (short delayed recall scores from the California Verbal Learning Test-II and the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised) and Delayed Memory (long delayed recall scores from both memory tests). The EPT was the measure of everyday problem solving. Results We found that for the control group and the entire MCI group (both amnestic and non-amnestic MCI), executive functioning, immediate memory, and delayed memory predicted problem solving. When examining the separate MCI subtypes, executive functioning and delayed memory predicted problem solving in non-amnestic-MCI, but not amnestic MCI. Conclusions Findings suggest that healthy older adults engage a range of cognitive skills (executive and memory skills) when they engage in everyday problem-solving. Executive and memory skills are also utilized for those with non-amnestic MCI when performing ADLs. Interestingly, in those exhibiting memory impairment and with increased risk for the Alzheimer’s type of dementia, memory and executive functions do not predict ADL problem solving. These findings indicate that people with amnestic-MCI may benefit from being given compensatory strategies to support their memory difficulties when they must perform everyday problem-solving.