Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is associated with decreased everyday functioning. The Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) is a commonly administered screening tool used to assess instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) among adults; however, previous literature suggests the FAQ may best assess mild levels of functional difficulty. This research aims to elucidate the factor structure of the FAQ and examine its relationship to IADL functioning, specifically among a sample of Hispanic adults affected by bvFTD.

Data were collected through the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) which comprises several Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) across the United States. Participants included those who were administered the FAQ during their first visit (n = 219; Age: M = 67.77; Education: M = 14.10; Sex: 65.75% = Female). The current sample includes data from 39 ADRCs, with data collected between September 2005 and March 2023.

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to examine the FAQ factor structure. Results support the use of a unitary global score for the FAQ, which accounted for 70.3% of the cumulative variance (p < .001, CFI = 0.992, TLI = 0.987, RMSEA = 0.083). Independent samples t-test revealed significant differences between genders regarding FAQ composite scores, t(217) = 4.998, p < .001, d = .71). Hierarchical regression analyses, controlling for gender, education, and age, showed each item included in analyses accounted for a medium to strong amount of variance (r² = 49.1% - 74.5%).

The FAQ may be a useful screening tool to assess IADL functioning among Hispanic adults affected by bvFTD. Three items of the FAQ were not a good fit for the CFA model, i.e., tax preparation, meal preparation, engaging in games/hobbies. Items included in analyses suggest they predict a statistically significant amount of variance. Results indicate females obtained significantly lower FAQ composite scores on average compared to men. Further research is warranted to examine IADL functioning among adult Hispanics.