The Bidirectional Association Between Cognitive Function and Gait Speed in Chinese Older Adults: Longitudinal...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Cognitive decline and gait speed reduction are common in older adults, often preceding adverse health outcomes.
• The temporal relationship between cognitive function and gait speed, particularly in Chinese older adults, requires clarification for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the longitudinal, reciprocal association between gait speed and cognitive function in older Chinese adults.
• To determine the temporal sequence of changes in gait speed and cognitive function within a national cohort.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from two waves (2011, 2015) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS).
• Included 3009 participants aged 60+ without dementia or Parkinson's disease at baseline.
• Employed cross-lagged panel models and linear mixed-effects models to analyze gait speed (measured via 2.5-m walks) and cognitive function (mental intactness, episodic memory).

Main Results:

• A bidirectional association was observed between gait speed and cognitive function (global, mental intactness, episodic memory).
• Baseline global cognition showed a stronger association with subsequent gait speed than the reverse pathway (P=.01).
• Slower gait speed predicted steeper cognitive decline, and lower cognitive scores predicted faster gait speed decline over time.

Conclusions:

• A significant longitudinal, bidirectional relationship exists between gait speed and cognitive function in older Chinese adults.
• Global cognitive function appears to have a stronger predictive influence on subsequent gait speed.
• Interventions promoting cognitive health may be crucial for mitigating age-related declines in gait speed.