ACT-HF: Attention, Cognition and Self-Management in Heart Failure

ACT-HF: Attention, Cognition and Self-Management in Heart Failure

This study is designed to determine if a relationship exists between problems with memory, attention, learning, insight and executive function and self management in heart failure.

Eligible participants are those 75 years of age or less, with left ventricular ejection fractions of 40% or less, english speaking and no known cognitive deficits. Participants will be administered the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status and the Controlled Oral Word Association test at the study visit. They will also be asked to complete the Self-Care in Heart Failure Index and the Anosognosia Questionnaire for Dementia at their convenience and mail back to investigator. Participants will be contacted in 90 days to determine if they have been hospitalized, and if so, for how many days.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 75 years of age or less
• ejection fraction 40% or less
• heart failure 6 months or more
• English speaking
• no known dementia
• no active substance abuse
• presence of caregiver/support

Exclusion Criteria:

• neurologic disorders potentially causing cognitive dysfunction