PURPOSE: This paper describes the conceptual foundation and systematic framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) as a mechanism for understanding the course and consequences of various health related states. The specific application of the ICF with persons with cognitive dysfunction is also presented. METHOD: A comprehensive literature review related to the conceptualization of the ICF, its classification scheme and coding process is presented. Information on cognitive disorders including prevalence, functional manifestations and the assessment of a person's cognitive functioning and the applicability of the ICF's holistic classification and coding of cognitive dysfunction within the components of body structure and function, activity and participation, and environmental attributes is also reviewed. CONCLUSION: The ICF has the potential to classify and interpret cognitive deficits on a global level and thereby reflects upon the overall health and functioning of the individual in major life activities. The coding system systematically organizes measures related to the person's cognitive status and the resulting functional outcomes. The ICF focuses on individuals' performance of activities in all aspects of life and validates the independence and well-being of persons with disabilities making it an important instrument to be used by rehabilitation professionals.
