Executive dysfunctions mediate between altered sensory processing and daily activity performance in older adults

Abstract

Background Sensory processing is essential for the interaction with the environment and for adequate daily function. Sensory processing may deteriorate with aging and restrict daily activity performance. Aging may also affect Executive functions (EFs) which are critical for daily activity performance. Yet, most studies refer separately to the impacts of sensory processing or EFs and use clinical evaluations that do not necessarily reflect functional restrictions in real life. This study aims to describe the prevalence of altered sensory processing in the elderly as expressed in daily life scenarios and explore whether EFs mediate between altered sensory processing and daily activity performance in older adults. Methods This cross-sectional study included 167 healthy independently functioning people aged 65 and above who were living in the community, had sufficient cognitive status and no symptoms of depression (based on the GDS and the MMSE). All participants completed a socio-demographic-health questionnaire, the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version and the Daily Living Questionnaire. Results Altered sensory processing, and mainly by the reduced ability to register and modulate sensory input from daily environment, were prevalent in older adults. Their impacts on daily activity performance were mediated by executive dysfunctions. Conclusions Executive dysfunctions may worsen the negative effects of altered sensory processing on daily activity performance in older adults. The interaction between EFs and sensory processing should receive growing attention in intervention and prevention programs for older adults, with the emphasis on their expressions and implications on peoples’ function in real life context.

Relationship between Sensory Processing and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review

“…Consequently, this could make individuals with hypersensitivity prone to getting mental health and cognitive fatigue [8,34]. This could affect their executive functioning and their way of coping with tasks and daily situations [67,68]. Moreover, perfectionism, the need to control, and anxiety may be related to this issue [29], as indicated in Crofton et al [46].…”

Gender Differences in State Anxiety Related to Daily Function Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Questionnaire Study

“…Executive functions are a set of cognitive skills that are necessary to plan, monitor, and execute a sequence of goal-directed complex actions [ 32 ]. Decreases in those abilities need to be identified in a timely fashion because they may influence daily functional performance abilities [ 33 ]. For example, Coppin and his colleagues found an association between poorer executive function and lower gait speed among older adults [ 34 ]; this may serve an important marker for decreases that may be associated with both physical and mental health.…”

Higher levels of neuroticism in older adults predict lower executive functioning across time: the mediating role of perceived stress

“…To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate a significant longitudinal relationship from neuroticism to EF among older adults. As EF are related to older adults' daily functioning (Engel-Yeger and Rosenblum, 2021;Suchy et al, 2020;Vaughan and Giovanello, 2010), this finding is of relevance because it could enable to develop prevention programs to help older adults preserving their autonomy in daily life. Further, our initial findings do not indicate a link between neuroticism at Wave 1 and MMSE at Wave 2.…”

“…EF are defined as top-down cognitive processes that contribute to planning, reasoning, managing goals, dealing with unexpected challenges and self-regulation (Diamond, 2013). As they contribute to older adults' daily functioning and health-related behaviors (e.g., management of medication and chronic illness), EF are considered of major importance in successful aging and are crucial to maintain the autonomy of older adults (Engel-Yeger and Rosenblum, 2021;Suchy et al, 2020;Vaughan and Giovanello, 2010). In addition, EF Responsible Editor: Marja J. Aartsen.…”