Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Handgrip Strength Is Associated with Poorer Cognitive Functioning in Aging Americans
Ryan McGrath1, Sheria G Robinson-Lane2, Summer Cook3
1Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA.
Lower handgrip strength is linked to increased odds of cognitive impairment in older adults. This simple measure can help identify individuals at risk for cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Handgrip strength measurement shows potential for early detection of cognitive decline in aging populations.
- Cognitive erosion is a significant concern in the elderly, necessitating reliable assessment tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between reduced handgrip strength and diminished cognitive functioning in older Americans.
- To establish handgrip strength as a potential biomarker for cognitive health in aging individuals.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 13,828 participants aged 50+ from the Health and Retirement Study, followed for 8 years.
- Handgrip strength assessed using a dynamometer; cognitive function evaluated with a modified Mini-Mental State Examination.
- Statistical models (multilevel logistic and ordered logit) used to examine associations between handgrip strength and cognitive impairment/functioning.
Main Results:
- A 5-kg decrease in handgrip strength correlated with 1.10 times greater odds of any cognitive impairment.
- A 5-kg decrease in handgrip strength was associated with 1.18 times greater odds of severe cognitive impairment.
- Reduced handgrip strength also predicted poorer overall cognitive functioning, with a 1.10 odds increase for every 5-kg lower strength.
Conclusions:
- Handgrip strength offers a simple, risk-stratifying method for healthcare providers to identify individuals with poorer cognitive functioning.
- Incorporating handgrip strength assessments into interventions can help evaluate their efficacy in preventing or delaying cognitive dysfunction.
More Related Videos
09:01A Method for Investigating Age-related Differences in the Functional Connectivity of Cognitive Control Networks Associated with Dimensional Change Card Sort Performance
Published on: May 7, 2014
06:58Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Cognitive Dissonance
Acid Strength and Molecular Structure
In the absence of any leveling effect, the acid strength of binary compounds of hydrogen with nonmetals (A) increases as the H-A bond strength decreases down a group in the periodic table. For group 17, the order of increasing acidity is HF < HCl < HBr < HI. Likewise, for group 16, the order of increasing acid strength is H2O < H2S < H2Se < H2Te. Across a row in the periodic table, the acid strength of binary hydrogen compounds increases with increasing...
Strength of Cement
For compressive strength tests, ASTM C 109-05 standards prescribe a cement-sand mix ratio of 1:2.75 and a water/cement ratio of 0.485 for making 2-inch cubes. These cubes are mixed, cast, and cured in saturated lime water at 23°C until testing. Flexural strength testing, outlined in...
Relation Between Tensile Strength and Compressive Strength of Concrete
The Equilibrium Binding Constant and Binding Strength
Strength and Heat of Hydration
The heat of hydration for each cement compound is significant; for instance, tricalcium aluminate (C3A) and...