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Physical functioning is associated with processing speed and executive functions in community-dwelling older adults
Laurence Desjardins-Crépeau1, Nicolas Berryman2, Thien Tuong Minh Vu3
1Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Quebec, Canada. Faculté des sciences du sport, Université de Poitiers, France. desjardins.laurence@gmail.com.
Summary
Physical functioning in older adults is linked to better processing speed and executive functions, but not memory. Cardiovascular burden did not impact cognitive performance in this study.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Cardiology
Background:
- Cognitive decline is a significant concern in aging populations.
- Understanding factors influencing cognitive performance in older adults is crucial for public health.
- Physical functioning and cardiovascular health are potential modulators of cognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between physical functioning and cardiovascular burden on cognitive performance.
- To assess how physical function impacts memory, processing speed, and executive functions in older adults.
- To determine if cardiovascular burden affects cognitive domains in community-dwelling seniors.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-three community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years) underwent geriatric evaluation, physical tests, and neuropsychological assessments.
- Cognitive composite scores (memory, speed, executive) and a physical functioning score were derived from standardized z-scores.
- A cardiovascular burden index was calculated based on the number of risk factors and diseases.
Main Results:
- Higher physical functioning was significantly associated with enhanced processing speed and executive functions.
- Physical functioning was not significantly associated with memory performance.
- Cardiovascular burden showed no significant association with any cognitive domain, independent of other factors.
Conclusions:
- Performance-based physical functioning is linked to specific cognitive abilities in older adults.
- Intervention studies focusing on improving physical and cognitive function are warranted.
- Simple physical performance tests may serve as indicators for cognitive health in aging individuals.
Keywords:
Cardiovascular risk factorsCognitionExecutive functionsPhysical functioningProcessing speed.More Related Videos
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