DOES COGNITIVE MISPERCEPTION AFFECT THE TIMING OF COMPLETING ADVANCE DIRECTIVES?
2024
Cognitive Misperception and Advance Directives Timing
Sample size: 3675
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Lou Yifan, Lin Zhuoer, Chen Xi
Hypothesis
Does cognitive misperception affect the timing of completing advance directives?
Conclusion
Cognitive misperception significantly influences when older adults complete advance directives, with overconfidence delaying completion and conservatism prompting earlier action.
Supporting Evidence
- Being conservative on cognition motivated older adults to file living wills 8.62 months earlier.
- Being overconfident delayed older adults to file living wills by 7.25 months.
- Overconfidence increased the likelihood of filing living wills by 34% and Durable Power of Attorney by 40%.
Takeaway
Older people who think they remember things well might wait longer to make important health decisions, while those who are more cautious tend to make these decisions sooner.
Methodology
The study used linear and logistic regression models to analyze data from older adults regarding their advance directive completion and cognitive perceptions.
Participant Demographics
Older adults who died between 2002 and 2018.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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