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The Association Between Physical Activity and Cognitive Function With Considerations by Social Risk Status
Emily Frith1, Paul D Loprinzi1
1Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, USA.
Europe'S Journal of Psychology
|January 24, 2018
Summary
Meeting physical activity guidelines is linked to better cognitive function in older adults. However, this association diminishes significantly for individuals facing the highest levels of social risk.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Physical activity is recognized for its benefits to overall health.
- Cognitive function naturally declines with age, making interventions crucial.
- Social determinants of health, including socioeconomic factors, can impact health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in U.S. older adults.
- To investigate whether social risk modifies the association between physical activity and cognition.
- To identify factors influencing cognitive health in aging populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 2031 U.S. adults aged 60-85 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (1999-2002).
- Assessed cognitive function using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST).
- Quantified social risk using poverty, education, minority status, and living status (0-4 scale); physical activity was self-reported.
Main Results:
- Meeting physical activity guidelines was associated with significantly higher cognitive function (β = 3.0, p < 0.001).
- Higher social risk was independently associated with lower cognitive function.
- Physical activity was not significantly associated with cognitive function in individuals with the highest social risk scores (3 or 4).
Conclusions:
- Both physical activity and social risk are independently associated with cognitive function in older adults.
- The cognitive benefits of physical activity may be attenuated among those with the greatest social risk.
- Public health strategies should consider social determinants when promoting physical activity for cognitive health.
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