Association between physical activity, peak expiratory flow, and cognitive function in aging: a cross-sectional...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• The global population is aging, leading to increased challenges with cognitive deficits and dementia.
• Identifying modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline is crucial for public health.
• This study investigates the relationship between pulmonary function, physical activity, and cognitive function in older U.S. adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the interplay between pulmonary function, physical activity, and cognitive function in older adults.
• To identify pulmonary function and physical activity as modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline.
• To examine the mediating role of pulmonary function in the association between physical activity and cognitive health.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of 729 U.S. adults aged 60 years and older from NHANES 2011-2012 data.
• Assessment of cognitive function, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and physical activity levels.
• Weighted logistic regression and mediation analyses to determine associations and mediating effects.

Main Results:

• Positive correlations were observed between cognitive scores and physical activity, recreational activity, and percent predicted PEF (PEF%).
• Lower PEF% (80-100% and <80%) was significantly associated with a higher risk of cognitive deficits compared to PEF% >100%.
• Meeting physical activity guidelines was linked to a lower risk of cognitive deficits, and PEF was found to mediate the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function.

Conclusions:

• Lower pulmonary function and diminished physical activity are associated with increased cognitive deficits in older adults.
• Pulmonary function appears to mediate the link between physical activity and cognitive health, highlighting the importance of respiratory health.
• Findings underscore the need for interventions promoting respiratory health and physical activity to mitigate cognitive decline in aging populations, with a call for longitudinal validation.