Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
10:13
Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Association of lung function with physical, mental and cognitive function in early old age
Archana Singh-Manoux1, Aline Dugravot, Francine Kauffmann
1INSERM U1018, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health, Hôpital Paul Brousse, 16 Avenue Paul Vaillant Couturier, Villejuif Cedex, France. archana.singh-manoux@inserm.fr
Age (Dordrecht, Netherlands)
|September 30, 2010
Summary
Good lung function is linked to better physical and cognitive abilities in older adults. This indicates that lung health may serve as an indicator of overall functional status in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pulmonology
- Public Health
Background:
- Lung function is a known predictor of mortality.
- Its association with functional status in the general older population is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between lung function and various measures of functioning in early old age.
- To determine if lung function serves as a summary measure of overall health in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 4,443 Whitehall II study participants aged 50-74 years.
- Assessed lung function via height-adjusted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)).
- Measured walking speed, cognitive function (memory, reasoning), and self-reported physical/mental functioning (SF-36).
Main Results:
- Higher height-adjusted FEV(1) was significantly associated with better walking speed, memory, reasoning, and self-reported physical functioning.
- Lifestyle factors and health status explained a substantial portion of these associations, particularly for walking speed and cognitive function.
- Lung function emerged as a strong indicator of overall functioning.
Conclusions:
- Lung function is significantly associated with multiple domains of functioning in early old age.
- While partially explained by other factors, lung function remains a valuable marker for overall health and functional capacity in older individuals.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
01:29Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Medical History
01:26Aging
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...