Physical Function Differences Between the Stages From Normal Cognition to Moderate Alzheimer Disease.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Neurology
• Cognitive Impairment Research

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
• Physical function decline is a common symptom in individuals with cognitive impairment.
• Understanding the relationship between cognitive stages and physical function is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in physical function test results across cognitive stages from normal cognition (NC) to moderate AD.
• To examine the correlation between risk factors and physical function test results.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 882 outpatients (NC, amnestic mild cognitive impairment [aMCI], mild AD, moderate AD) aged ≥65.
• Physical function assessed using functional reach (FR), one-leg standing (OLS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), tandem gait (TG), and grip strength (GS).
• Statistical analyses included ANCOVA and multiple regression, controlling for covariates like age, sex, and activity levels.

Main Results:

• FR, OLS, and TG were significantly worse in aMCI, mild AD, and moderate AD groups compared to NC.
• TUG was significantly worse only in the moderate AD group compared to other groups.
• Aging correlated with poorer scores on all tests; women had poorer FR and GS; low senior activity correlated with poorer FR, OLS, and TG.

Conclusions:

• Postural impairment and instability manifest earlier in tandem gait than in the Timed Up and Go test during AD progression.
• Age, sex, and senior activity frequency are significant factors related to physical function across multiple tests.