1. Health

Discuss in my forum

Activities of Daily Living

From , former About.com Guide

Updated October 01, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Photo © Microsoft

Going to the bathroom without assistance is an activity of daily living.

Photo © Microsoft
Definition: Basic skills necessary to live semi-independently, such as feeding, dressing, bathing, grooming, being mobile, and going to the bathroom without assistance.

As Alzheimer's disease progresses, the ability to carry out activities of daily living eventually disappears. This deterioration is preceded by problems with instrumental activities of daily living, such as housekeeping and money management.

Also Known As: ADLs
  1. About.com
  2. Health
  3. Alzheimer's / Dementia
  4. Glossary
  5. Activities of Daily Living - What are Activities of Daily Living

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.