ADLs and IADLs The Importance of Cognitive Functioning

Most of us take activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) for granted. ADLs include fundamental skills typically needed to manage our basic physical needs. They include grooming and personal hygiene, dressing, toileting, transferring and ambulation, and eating. IADLs, on the other hand, are a little more complex and involve functions such as paying bills, preparing food, communicating, housework and scheduling and keeping appointments. We perform tasks like these on a daily basis without much difficulty whatsoever. What if our cognitive abilities were to decline or we become forgetful due to some diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s? Poor cognitive functioning is associated with a decline in ability to perform ADLs and IADLs.



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[shaneoleary]

Hi Dr Collins, do you have a test for Impared ADL ? Since a head injury in 2005, I have had numerous concussions, and been knocked unconcious for 40 min's, 3 hours, and 45 min's on seperate occasions, the last being in 2021. I am on Accident Compensation here in New Zealand, but they only recognize the injury in 2005. I need to prove that my functioning has decreased significantly, and so I was curious to know if you have a test that I can download ? Your help with this would be greatfully appreciated, and I look forward to your reply. Yours faithfully, Shane