Abstract

NAVARRO GONZALEZ, Elena et al. Level of independence in daily living and cognitive plasticity in old age. Escritos de Psicología [online]. 2008, vol.2, n.1, pp.74-84. ISSN 1989-3809.

Recent research provides evidence that an active lifestyle is associated with a high level of plasticity, which in turn is related to a reduced probability of cognitive deterioration and decline (Calero, Navarro & Muñoz, 2007).  Activities of daily living (ADL) constitute one of the variables currently considered to be an indicator of dependence/independence in old age and which is associated with cognitive and physical decline.  The aim of the present study was to analyse the relation between ADL and cognitive plasticity in old age.  Sixty-three elderly participants were evaluated using diverse measures of ADL levels and two techniques for evaluating learning potential.  Results showed that a higher level of cognitive plasticity was associated with greater functional independence in daily living.

Keywords : Activities of daily living; cognitive plasticity; old age; dependence.

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