Association Between Accelerometer-Assessed Physical Activity and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) is linked to cognitive benefits.
• The specific impact of different PA measures, like step count, on cognition needs further investigation.
• Understanding these associations is crucial for promoting cognitive health in aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and cognitive function in older adults.
• To differentiate the effects of step count versus moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on cognitive domains.
• To explore age-related differences in the PA-cognition link.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of 663 adults aged ≥66 years from the Swedish SNAC-K study.
• Objective PA measurement using ActivPAL3 accelerometers (steps/day, MVPA).
• Cognitive function assessed via validated tests for global cognition, processing speed, executive function, and episodic memory; quantile regression used.

Main Results:

• Each 1000-step increment and each hour of MVPA correlated with better processing speed in adults <70 years.
• These associations were not significant in adults ≥80 years.
• Step count was linked to improved processing speed in younger older adults, irrespective of their MVPA levels.

Conclusions:

• Objectively measured PA, including step count and MVPA, is associated with enhanced processing speed in younger older adults.
• Step count demonstrates a positive correlation with processing speed independent of activity intensity.
• Further research is warranted to establish causality and optimal PA strategies for cognitive maintenance.