THE NATURAL COURSE OF AGING IN SPINAL CORD INJURY: FUNCTIONAL CHANGES
Principal Investigator: Bryan Kemp, Ph.D.
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to assess how aging affects functional capacities such as activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, work/leisure/social activities, the need for care and social relationships.
Methodology
The design and sampling frame are grounded in the establishment of a comprehensive database employing a sequential research design. Participants undergo annual history and physicals. Comprehensive examinations including psychological, support and functional profiles are conducted at five-year intervals.
Preliminary Results
Of the 150 people included thus far, approximately 27%
report a change in function as they age. Nearly all people reported gradual
changes. The average duration from onset to time of change is 15.8 years.
There does not appear to be a relationship between current age and reports
of change nor between duration and change. However, there may be a correlation
between age at onset and the number of years before change occurs. People
with an older onset report changes occurred sooner. Transfers, bathing and
toileting account for the largest percentages of changes in ADLs. Shopping,
household chores and transportation accounted of 86% of the IADL changes.
Future work will describe more of the functional and social changes occurring
and correlate those changes with physiological, psychological and demographic
data.