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Physical activity, including walking, and cognitive function in older women
Jennifer Weuve1, Jae Hee Kang, JoAnn E Manson
1Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Mass 02215, USA. jweuve@hsph.harvard.edu
JAMA
|September 24, 2004
Summary
Regular physical activity, including walking, significantly enhances cognitive function and reduces cognitive decline in older women. Maintaining an active lifestyle supports brain health and may prevent impairment.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Physical activity is recognized for its potential to preserve cognitive function in aging populations.
- Understanding the specific impact of regular exercise, such as walking, on cognitive health is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between long-term regular physical activity, including walking, and cognitive function in older women.
- To determine if higher levels of physical activity correlate with better baseline cognitive performance and slower cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- The study analyzed data from 18,766 US women (aged 70-81) participating in the Nurses' Health Study.
- Physical activity was assessed via biennial questionnaires from 1986, with energy expenditure averaged for baseline cognitive assessments (1995-2001).
- Cognitive function was evaluated using validated telephone assessments of general cognition, memory, fluency, and attention, administered twice over approximately two years.
Main Results:
- Higher levels of physical activity were significantly associated with better cognitive performance and reduced risk of cognitive impairment.
- Women in the highest physical activity quintile showed a 20% lower risk of cognitive impairment compared to the lowest quintile.
- Regular walking (≥1.5 h/wk) was linked to higher global cognitive scores, and more active women exhibited less cognitive decline over two years.
Conclusions:
- Long-term engagement in regular physical activity, including walking, is strongly associated with preserved cognitive function in older women.
- These findings highlight the importance of physical activity as a modifiable factor for maintaining brain health and preventing cognitive decline in aging individuals.
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