Rest-activity rhythm and cognitive function in older adults: A scoping review and integrative framework

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Chronobiology
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• The relationship between sleep, exercise, and cognition is known, but the specific impact of rest-activity rhythm (RAR) on cognitive function in older adults requires further investigation.
• RAR describes daily and long-term patterns of sleep, activity, and rest, including timing, level, amplitude, and rhythmicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize existing literature on the association between rest-activity rhythm and cognitive function in older adults.
• To identify gaps in current research and suggest directions for future studies.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science).
• 26 eligible studies investigating RAR and cognitive function in older adults were identified and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Due to limited studies per cognitive domain and methodological variations, definitive conclusions were challenging.
• However, findings generally suggest that later peak activity timing, higher mean activity levels, greater activity amplitude, and more consistent rhythmicity correlate with enhanced global cognitive function.

Conclusions:

• While preliminary, the findings suggest that optimizing RAR may be beneficial for maintaining cognitive health in aging populations.
• Future research should focus on larger, diverse samples, precise RAR and cognitive assessments, and the inclusion of biomarkers to elucidate these relationships.