The Association Between Physical Activity and Domain-Specific Cognitive Function in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Global population aging is increasing dementia prevalence, affecting over 50 million people worldwide.
• Physical activity (PA) shows potential benefits for cognitive function (CF), but optimal types and amounts remain unclear.
• Understanding the relationship between PA and specific cognitive domains is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between different patterns and intensities of PA and various cognitive domains in older adults.
• To determine the optimal threshold for PA levels to maximize cognitive benefits.
• To assess the causal effect of PA intensity on cognitive performance using a Mendelian randomization approach.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study using NHANES data (2011-2014) with 2578 adults aged 60+.
• Cognitive abilities assessed via standardized tests; PA levels measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ).
• Analysis included regression, threshold effect testing, and Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore PA-cognition links.

Main Results:

• Regular activity (RA) was positively associated with word learning, animal fluency, and processing speed.
• An inverted U-shaped relationship was observed between PA levels and cognitive performance, with diminishing returns above certain thresholds.
• Moderate-intensity PA (MPA) and vigorous-intensity PA (VPA) showed significant positive associations with various cognitive domains, including fluid intelligence and overall performance.

Conclusions:

• PA is associated with multiple cognitive domains, with RA patterns linked to better cognitive performance.
• Vigorous-intensity PA (VPA) demonstrated a stronger genetically determined promotive effect on cognition.
• Tailored PA interventions, considering different patterns and intensities, may be effective in delaying cognitive decline and promoting brain health in older adults.