Associations between Physical Activity and Cognitive Functioning among Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) affects a significant portion of middle-aged and older adults.
• Physical activity is crucial for maintaining cognitive function and overall health in aging populations.
• Informal care plays a role in managing health conditions, but its impact on physical activity needs further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe aerobic physical activity levels among middle-aged and older adults.
• To examine the relationship between self-reported cognitive decline and physical activity.
• To assess the influence of informal care receipt on physical activity in individuals with cognitive decline.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study utilizing data from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
• Survey included 93,082 respondents aged 45 years and older from 21 US states.
• Physical activity was categorized using the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans; SCD and care receipt were self-reported.

Main Results:

• 12.3% of respondents reported SCD; 23.1% of those with SCD received regular informal care.
• Inactivity was higher in individuals with SCD (37.1%) compared to those without (29.6%), and even higher among those with SCD receiving care (50.2%).
• Individuals receiving regular care for SCD had a significantly lower prevalence of meeting aerobic guidelines (PR=0.80). Walking was the most common physical activity.

Conclusions:

• High prevalence of physical inactivity, particularly among older adults with SCD who receive care.
• Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to increase physical activity in this demographic.
• Involving informal caregivers in promoting walking could be a viable strategy to combat inactivity and improve health outcomes.