Comparison of the test of everyday functional abilities with a direct measure of daily function.

Objectives: To compare scores for dementia patients on a newly developed direct test of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) to scores on a widely accepted functional measure.
Methods: In 27 community-dwelling dementia patients, scores for the Test of Everyday Functional Ability (TEFA) were compared with scores on a widely used direct test of daily function (Independent Living Scale; ILS).
Results: Mini-Mental State Examination scores ranged from 5 to 28 (mean +/- SD = 20.7 +/- 6.37). There was a highly significant correlation between total TEFA and total ILS scores (r(25) = 0.892, p < 0.001) as well as many of the comparable subscales.
Conclusion: The TEFA is a valid measure of IADL competence for dementia patients.