Cognitive intervention response is related to habitual physical activity in older adults

This study analysed the associations between physical activity and the effects of cognitive training on perceived cognitive functioning and life satisfaction in older adults.

A sample of 114 intervention group participants (65-89 yrs) received weekly group sessions of cognitive stimulation for two months. This sample was stratified into groups according to habitual physical activity (PA) and matched with 45 controls. Participants completed the Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q), Nuremberg Self-Rating List (NSL) and Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale - Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) at three time-points (baseline, 2 months, and 6-month follow-up).

At baseline, groups did not differ in absolute MAC-Q, NSL or ADAS-Cog scores. NSL difference scores (follow-up score minus baseline NSL score) of the three cognitive intervention groups (>6.95h MVPA/ wk; 3.64-6.95h MVPA/wk; <3.64h MVPA/wk) and controls were -3.8±7.3, -2.5±11.0, +0.3±12.0 and +0.1±9.1 over 2 months, and -4.2±7.6, -4.0±14.0, -1.8±7.7 and +0.5±9.7 over 6 months, respectively. MAC-Q difference scores were -1.1±2.9, -1.1±3.4, -0.3±3.9 and +0.3±2.7 over 2 months, and -1.5±3.2, -0.8±2.9, -0.3±2.9 and +0.3±2.2 over 6 months. The groups significantly (p<0.05) differed on NSL and MAC-Q difference scores. Specifically, the more active groups differed from controls, and in some cases from the least active group. Groups did not differ on ADAS-Cog difference scores.

Our findings indicate a relation between amount of physical activity and the effects of a cognitive stimulation intervention on perceived cognitive functioning and life satisfaction. Physically more active persons may gain more benefit from cognitive stimulation than the physically less active.