Understanding the Physiological Links Between Physical Frailty and Cognitive Decline

Abstract

Declines in both physical and cognitive function are associated with increasing age. Understanding the physiological link between physical frailty and cognitive decline may allow us to develop interventions that prevent and treat both conditions. Although there is significant epidemiological evidence linking physical frailty to cognitive decline, a complete understanding of the underpinning biological basis of the two disorders remains fragmented. This narrative review discusses insights into the potential roles of chronic inflammation, impaired hypothalamic-pituitary axis stress response, imbalanced energy metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroendocrine dysfunction linking physical frailty with cognitive decline. We highlight the importance of easier identification of strategic approaches delaying the progression and onset of physical frailty and cognitive decline as well as preventing disability in the older population.

The Effects of a 6-Month High Dose Omega-3 and Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Antioxidant Vitamins Supplementation on Cognitive Function and Functional Capacity in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

“…This extended life should grow in parallel with an increased disease-free lifespan (health span); therefore, policies that can support healthy ageing are necessary [3,4]. Increasing age is associated with declines in both cognitive and physical function [5]. Cognitive function and functional capacity are major determinants of quality of life in the elderly, and a reduction in these two factors may affect their ability to carry out activities of daily living.…”

“…Cognitive function and functional capacity are major determinants of quality of life in the elderly, and a reduction in these two factors may affect their ability to carry out activities of daily living. There is a close link between physical frailty and cognitive decline with respect to their major underlying mechanisms, such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and neuroendocrine dysfunction [5]. Therefore, strategies that can slow the age-related decline of these functions are needed to prevent severe cognitive impairment and functional inability, and to help older adults maintain adequate performance status and independence, thus approaching the goal of healthy ageing.…”

Lee Silverman Voice Treatment for dysarthria in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Dysarthria in Parkinson's disease (PD), which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, is universal [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. It was indicated that almost 89% of patients with PD developed dysarthria [9][10][11].…”

Effectiveness of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

“…Neurological diseases can manifest a series of symptoms due to abnormalities in nerve structure, biochemistry, or electrophysiology in the brain, spinal cord, or other nerve ( 6 ). Most of them are characterized by progressive neurodegeneration and injury closely related to aging, including PD, Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, et cetera.…”

“…PD is a complex and slowly progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with multiple risk factors ( 5 ). Age and gender, environmental and behavioral factors, and other disease factors (i.e., sleep disturbances, hypertension, and traumatic brain injury) have been shown to be increased risk factors for the development of PD ( 5 , 6 ). These risk factors are not only crucial to the early diagnosis of PD but also helpful in the development of effective neuroprotection and health care strategies for appropriate populations at risk for PD ( 5 , 7 ).…”