Clinical Manifestations

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Cognitive and physical activities are known to reduce dementia risk in older adults.
• The Brief Evaluation of Activities of Daily Living and Cognition (BEAN) test is a performance-based assessment using object manipulation.
• The mediating mechanisms (cognitive vs. physical) of the BEAN test's relationship with cognition and daily functioning require clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether the BEAN test's association with cognitive function and daily activities is mediated by cognitive engagement or physical activity.
• To determine if the BEAN test is more reflective of cognitive or physical capabilities in older adults.

Main Methods:

• 290 community-dwelling adults aged 50+ with no cognitive impairment participated.
• Participants completed the BEAN test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA), and Cognitively Stimulating Activities Questionnaire (CSA-Q).
• Cross-sectional data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models and mediation analysis.

Main Results:

• The BEAN test scores were significantly related to MoCA scores (cognition) and CSA-Q scores (cognitive activities).
• Mediation analysis indicated that cognitive engagement (CSA-Q) mediated the relationship between the BEAN test and MoCA scores.
• No significant relationship was found between the BEAN test and RAPA scores (physical activity), nor did RAPA mediate the BEAN-MoCA relationship.

Conclusions:

• The BEAN test serves as a valid measure of cognition and daily functioning, rather than a physical or motor assessment.
• Cognitive engagement, rather than physical activity, appears to be the key mechanism through which the BEAN test reflects cognitive benefits in older adults.
• Findings support the BEAN test's utility in understanding how cognitive engagement impacts cognition in aging populations.