Association of Motor Function With Cognitive Trajectories and Structural Brain Differences: A Community-Based Cohort...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• The relationship between motor function and cognitive health is debated, with unclear underlying mechanisms.
• Investigating this link is crucial for understanding age-related cognitive decline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between motor function and long-term cognitive trajectories.
• To explore potential underlying mechanisms using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study (Rush Memory and Aging Project) with 2,192 participants followed for up to 22 years.
• Global motor function assessed via averaged z-scores of 10 motor tests; cognitive function measured annually.
• Brain MRI data analyzed in a subsample (n=401) for regional brain volumes.

Main Results:

• Low global motor function correlated with significantly faster declines in global and domain-specific cognitive functions.
• Participants with low motor function showed smaller total brain, white matter, and cortical white matter volumes.
• Low motor function was associated with a larger volume of white matter hyperintensities.

Conclusions:

• Poor motor function is a significant predictor of accelerated cognitive decline in older adults.
• Neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular pathologies likely contribute to the motor-cognition association.