Exploring the association between physical activity and cognitive function among people living with dementia

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gerontology
• Kinesiology

Background:

• Physical activity is known to preserve cognitive function in non-demented individuals.
• The association between physical activity and specific cognitive domains in people with dementia remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between physical activity levels and various cognitive domains in individuals diagnosed with dementia.

Main Methods:

• Participants with dementia in residential care wore actigraphy monitors for seven days.
• Cognitive function was assessed using a battery of tests measuring global cognition, executive function, perception, language, memory, and attention.
• Linear regression analysis was employed, controlling for race, fall risk, and comorbidities.

Main Results:

• Greater physical activity was linked to better executive function and learning/memory.
• Higher physical activity was associated with poorer global cognition.
• No significant relationship was found between physical activity and visuospatial perception, language, or complex attention.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity may play a role in preserving executive function and learning/memory in people with dementia.
• Increased physical activity correlating with lower global cognition might be explained by behaviors like wandering in later dementia stages.
• Regular assessment of physical activity could aid in monitoring cognitive changes in dementia patients.