Using the Item‐Specific Deficit Approach to predict everyday functioning in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease

The ISDA, which is a psychometrically sound method that separates encoding, consolidation and retrieval, is useful for predicting everyday functioning in those with MCI and AD. The ability to encode and consolidate information predicts everyday memory and executive functioning in those with mild cognitive difficulties. With more severe cognitive difficulties, such as AD, encoding and consolidation predict overall everyday function. These findings demonstrate the importance of assessing encoding, consolidation, and retrieval, not only for the purposes of diagnosis, but also when evaluating patients' everyday functioning.