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Temporal relationship between handgrip strength and cognitive performance in oldest old people
Diana G Taekema1, Carolina H Y Ling, Susan E Kurrle
1Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. dtaekema@rijnstate.nl
Age and Ageing
|March 1, 2012
Summary
Cognitive decline appears to precede muscle weakness in the oldest old. Better cognitive function at age 85 predicted slower handgrip strength decline by age 89.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Cognitive decline and muscle weakness are common in the elderly.
- A hypothesis suggests cognitive decline may precede muscle weakness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal relationship between cognitive performance and handgrip strength in individuals aged 85 and older.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, population-based, 4-year follow-up study.
- Included 555 participants aged 85 at baseline.
- Assessed handgrip strength and cognitive function (global, attention, processing speed, memory) at ages 85 and 89 using neuropsychological tests and repeated linear regression analysis.
Main Results:
- Better cognitive performance at baseline was linked to higher handgrip strength at ages 85 and 89 (except attention).
- Baseline cognitive performance, particularly global cognition, predicted slower decline in handgrip strength over four years.
- Baseline handgrip strength did not predict cognitive decline, except for global cognitive performance.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive performance at baseline is associated with subsequent decline in handgrip strength.
- Handgrip strength at baseline is not significantly associated with cognitive decline.
- Findings suggest cognitive decline may precede the development of muscle weakness in the oldest old.
