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Switching Ability Mediates the Age-Related Difference in Timed Up and Go Performance
Antoine Langeard1,2,3, Ramzi Houdeib3,4, Kathia Saillant1,2,3
1Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Cognitive switching ability, not processing speed or inhibition, significantly mediates age-related mobility decline in older adults. Executive functions are crucial for maintaining mobility with aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Age-related declines in mobility and cognitive function are common.
- The intricate relationship between cognitive function and mobility in aging requires further exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether specific cognitive functions mediate age-related differences in mobility.
- To determine the role of processing speed, inhibition, and switching in the relationship between age and mobility.
Main Methods:
- Mediation analyses were employed to assess the relationship between age, cognitive performance, and mobility.
- The Stroop test was used to measure processing speed, inhibition, and switching.
- The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test assessed mobility.
Main Results:
- Switching performance significantly mediated the age-related difference in TUG, accounting for 65.1% of the total effect.
- Processing speed and inhibition did not show significant mediation effects.
Conclusions:
- Executive control, specifically cognitive switching, plays a critical role in older adults' mobility.
- Targeting executive functions may be a viable strategy to improve mobility in aging populations.
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