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 be deteriorated in the elderly and restrict daily activity performance. Another factor impacted by aging which significantly affects daily activities is Executive functions (EF). Yet, most studies refer separately to the impacts of sensory processing or EF on daily activities 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 EF mediate between altered sensory processing and daily activity performance in older adults.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 167 healthy and independently functioning people living in the community and aged 65 years and older. Participants who had sufficient cognitive status and no symptoms of depression completed a demographic and health-status 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, are prevalent in older adults. Their impacts on daily activity performance are 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 executive functions and sensory processing should receive growing attention in intervention and prevention programs for older adults, with the emphasis on their expressions in peoples’ real life context.