Differential Longitudinal Associations Between Domains of Cognitive Function and Physical Function: A 20-Year
Giovanni Sala1,2, Yukiko Nishita2, Chikako Tange2
1Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
Summary
Fluid cognition (Gf) declines strongly predict physical function decline in older adults, unlike crystallized cognition (Gc). Gf is a better indicator of aging-related physical changes than Gc.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Biomedical Geriatrics
Background:
- Cognitive and physical functions are crucial for independence and survival in older adults.
- While links between cognitive and physical decline are known, specific cognitive facets' associations with physical functions require clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal associations between fluid cognition (Gf) and crystallized cognition (Gc) with physical functions.
- To determine if different cognitive domains uniquely relate to physical function trajectories in aging.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 863 community-dwelling older adults (aged 60-79) from the National Institute for Longevity Sciences-Longitudinal Study of Aging.
- Assessed Gf, Gc, grip strength, and gait speed using standardized tests.
- Employed Multivariate Latent Growth Curve models to analyze baseline (intercept) and change (slope) relationships.
Main Results:
- Strong correlations were found between the rate of change in Gf and physical functions (grip strength r = 0.64, gait speed r = 0.68, p < .001).
- Correlations between the rate of change in Gc and physical functions were weak (r ≤ 0.31) and marginally significant (p ≤ .06).
Conclusions:
- Distinct cognitive domains exhibit differential associations with physical function changes during aging.
- Declines in Gf are robustly linked to physical function deterioration, suggesting Gf is a key indicator of aging-related physical decline.
- Gc measures may be unreliable indicators of frailty and warrant cautious use in clinical assessments.
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