Cognitive Impairment Highly Prevalent and Associated With Reduced Physical Function in Older Veteran Clinical
Stacy Schantz Wilkins1,2, Jin J Zhou3, Rebecca J Melrose1
1Greater Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Mental Health Department, Los Angeles, CA.
Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation
|January 1, 2026
Summary
Cognitive impairment is common in older adults entering exercise programs. Lower cognitive scores correlate with reduced physical strength and endurance, highlighting the link between brain health and physical function in this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is prevalent in older adults, impacting daily function.
- Understanding the relationship between cognitive and physical function is crucial for targeted interventions in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cognitive function in new Gerofit program enrollees.
- To investigate the association between cognitive performance and physical function in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study of 1172 Gerofit program participants (2021-2023).
- Assessed global cognition (tMoCA) and cognitive set shifting (Oral TMT B).
- Measured lower/upper extremity strength, balance, and cardiovascular endurance.
Main Results:
- 61% of participants scored below normal cognition thresholds, indicating high MCI prevalence.
- Cognitive scores (tMoCA, Oral TMT B) were significantly associated with lower extremity strength (P<.001).
- tMoCA scores correlated with endurance and self-rated memory.
Conclusions:
- Mild cognitive impairment is common among older adults enrolling in clinical exercise programs.
- Poorer cognitive function is linked to reduced physical strength and endurance in this population.
- Findings underscore the importance of assessing and addressing cognitive health within geriatric exercise interventions.
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