From the Guidelines
Enhanced functioning refers to the improvement of physical, cognitive, and social abilities, enabling individuals to perform daily activities and maintain independence, as supported by the most recent evidence from 1. The concept of enhanced functioning is crucial in the context of dementia care, where physical activity interventions have been shown to improve physical outcomes, such as balance, coordination, and muscle strength, and reduce the risk of falls 1. Key aspects of enhanced functioning include:
- Physical functioning, which comprises balance, coordination, and muscle strength capabilities 1
- Activities of daily living, such as eating, clothing, walking, and toileting, which are essential for independent living 1
- Cognitive functioning, which can be improved through physical exercise and other interventions 1 A comprehensive approach to enhanced functioning should prioritize physical activity, social interaction, and cognitive stimulation, as these components work synergistically to improve overall functioning and quality of life 1. In the context of nursing home care, nurse-led physical activity interventions can play a vital role in promoting enhanced functioning among people with dementia, as they can be tailored to individual needs and abilities 1. Overall, enhanced functioning is a multifaceted concept that requires a holistic approach, incorporating physical, cognitive, and social interventions to support individuals in maintaining their independence and quality of life.
From the Research
Definition of Enhanced Functioning
The definition of enhanced functioning can be understood through various studies that have examined the relationship between lifestyle factors, cognitive functioning, and functional capacity.
- Enhanced functioning refers to improved cognitive and mental health measures, including better cognitive functioning, functional capacity, and mental health outcomes 2.
- It can also be defined as higher levels of cognitive functioning, including explicit relational memory, executive control, and functional capacity 3, 4, 5.
- Additionally, enhanced functioning may involve improved functional stability, reduced disease severity, and better well-being outcomes, such as quality of life 6.
Factors Associated with Enhanced Functioning
Several factors have been associated with enhanced functioning, including:
- Physical exercise, particularly moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity 3, 2.
- Sleep quality 3.
- Activity variety, particularly in the social domain 4.
- Cognitive training and cognitive exercise 6.
- Lifestyle modifications, such as those offered in the Mayo Clinic Healthy Action to Benefit Independence in Thinking (HABIT) program 6.