IADL
Pronunciation: eye-ay-dee-el
Also written as: IADL — Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, complex daily tasks requiring cognitive and physical abilities, often impaired early in dementia.
Full Definition
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are complex daily tasks that require both cognitive and physical abilities and are essential for independent living in the community. These activities include managing finances, medication management, telephone use, transportation, shopping, meal preparation, housekeeping, and laundry. IADLs are distinguished from basic activities of daily living (ADLs) by their complexity and requirement for executive functioning, memory, and judgment. In geriatric psychiatry, IADL assessment is crucial because these functions are often impaired early in the course of mild cognitive impairment and dementia, sometimes before basic self-care abilities decline. Standardized assessment tools include the Lawton-Brody IADL Scale and performance-based measures. IADL functioning is a key determinant in decisions about living arrangements, safety planning, and level of care needed. Progressive IADL decline often signals advancing cognitive impairment and need for increased supervision or support services.
Usage
Usage note: Usually plural (IADLs); distinguish clearly from basic ADLs in documentation.
In Context
- "IADL assessment revealed significant deficits in financial management and medication adherence." — occupational therapy evaluation
- "The patient's preserved ADLs but impaired IADLs suggest early-stage dementia requiring support services." — geriatric assessment team note