Physical Activity and Trajectory of Cognitive Change in Older Persons: Mayo Clinic Study of Aging

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the association between physical activity (PA) and cognitive trajectories in older adults. Objective: To examine the association between PA and change in memory, language, attention, visuospatial skills, and global cognition, and a potential impact of sex or Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 status. Methods: Longitudinal study derived from the population-based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, including 2,060 cognitively unimpaired males and females aged ≥70 years. Engagement in midlife (ages 50–65) and late-life (last year) PA was assessed using a questionnaire. Neuropsychological testing was done every 15 months (mean follow-up 5.8 years). We ran linear mixed-effect models to examine whether mid- or late-life PA at three intensities (mild, moderate, vigorous) was associated with cognitive z-scores. Results: Light intensity midlife PA was associated with less decline in memory function compared to the no-PA reference group (time x light PA; estimate [standard error] 0.047 [0.016], p = 0.004). Vigorous late-life PA was associated with less decline in language (0.033 [0.015], p = 0.030), attention (0.032 [0.017], p = 0.050), and global cognition (0.039 [0.016], p = 0.012). Females who were physically inactive in midlife experienced more pronounced cognitive decline than females physically active in midlife and males regardless of PA (p-values for time interaction terms with midlife PA levels and sex were all p < 0.05 for global cognition). APOE ɛ4 carriership did not moderate the association between PA and cognition. Conclusion: Engaging in PA, particularly of vigorous intensity in late-life, was associated with less pronounced decline in global and domain-specific cognition. This association may differ by sex.

Long-term Cognitive Trajectory After Total Joint Arthroplasty

“…The comparison group, MCSA participants without TJA, do not necessarily represent how patients with TJA might have fared without the procedure, especially because higher levels of physical activity are associated with less pronounced cognitive decline. 38 Blood metal measurements were not available because they were rarely measured clinically. We did not have information on TJA failure modes.…”

Effect of isotemporal substitution of sedentary behavior with different intensities of physical activity on the muscle function of older adults in the context of a medical center

“…We and other researchers have shown that substituting SB with MVPA mathematically improves lower limb strength and function among aged persons. They may remain reluctant to perform higher intensity physical activity as suggested [30,31], considering that in an aging society, older adults are often afflicted with comorbidities or functional decline [32]. Importantly, our findings on substituting SB with LPA, which was positively associated with upper limb strength and lower limb function, may pave the way for designing a feasible regimen of combined LPA and MVPA in varying proportions for older adults.…”

Cognitive Function, and Its Relationships with Comorbidities, Physical Activity, and Muscular Strength in Korean Older Adults

“…By analyzing the data obtained from 864 community-dwelling older adults from the Suwon Geriatric Mental Health Center, the work of Kim et al [ 13 ] showed that PA positively contributed to cognitive function, perhaps via anti-depressant effects, in study subjects. Additionally, findings from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India [ 14 ], French tri-city research [ 15 ], and the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging [ 40 ] also recognize the cognitive benefits of PA among community-dwelling older adults. Taken together, the findings from the current and previous studies support the cognitive benefits of PA later in life.…”