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Poor physical performance and dementia in the oldest old: the 90+ study
Szofia S Bullain1, Maria M Corrada, Barbara Agee Shah
1Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92967, USA. sbullain@uci.edu
JAMA Neurology
|October 24, 2012
Summary
Poor physical performance is strongly linked to a higher likelihood of dementia in individuals aged 90 and older. This suggests a complex relationship between physical decline and cognitive impairment in the oldest adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Epidemiology of Aging
- Clinical Geriatrics
Background:
- The oldest old (≥90 years) are a rapidly growing demographic, yet understanding the factors contributing to dementia in this population remains crucial.
- Physical performance is a key indicator of overall health and functional status in older adults.
- Identifying early markers of dementia is essential for timely intervention and care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cross-sectional association between various physical performance measures and the presence of dementia.
- To specifically examine this relationship in a population of very old adults (≥90 years).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 629 participants (mean age 94 years) in The 90+ Study.
- Physical performance was assessed using the 4-m walk, 5 chair stands, standing balance, and grip strength, each scored 0-4.
- Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of dementia (DSM-IV criteria) in relation to physical performance, adjusted for age and sex.
Main Results:
- Poor performance across all measured physical abilities (4-m walk, chair stands, standing balance, grip strength) was significantly associated with increased odds of dementia (P < .001).
- Odds ratios for a one-unit decrease in physical performance score ranged from 1.7 (grip strength) to 2.1 (4-m walk and chair stands).
Conclusions:
- A robust cross-sectional relationship exists between diminished physical performance and dementia in individuals aged 90 and above.
- These findings indicate that dementia may be a complex neurodegenerative process impacting both physical function and cognition.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the temporal sequence between physical performance deficits and cognitive decline.
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