scholarly journals Effects of dance on cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Hewston ◽  
Courtney Clare Kennedy ◽  
Sayem Borhan ◽  
Dafna Merom ◽  
Pasqualina Santaguida ◽  
...  

Abstract Background dance is a mind–body activity that stimulates neuroplasticity. We explored the effect of dance on cognitive function in older adults. Methods we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and PsycInfo databases from inception to August 2020 (PROSPERO:CRD42017057138). Inclusion criteria were (i) randomised controlled trials (ii) older adults (aged ≥ 55 years), (iii) intervention—dance and (iv) outcome—cognitive function. Cognitive domains were classified with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 Neurocognitive Framework. Meta-analyses were performed in RevMan5.3 and certainty of evidence with GradePro. Results we reviewed 3,997 records and included 11 studies (N = 1,412 participants). Seven studies included only healthy older adults and four included those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Dance interventions varied in frequency (1–3×/week), time (35–60 minutes), duration (3–12 months) and type. We found a mean difference (MD) = 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI) = 0.21–2.95) on the Mini Mental State Examination for global cognitive function (moderate-certainty evidence), and the Wechsler Memory Test for learning and memory had an MD = 3.02 (95% CI = 1.38–4.65; low-certainty evidence). On the Trail Making Test-A for complex attention, MD = 3.07 (95% CI = −0.81 to 6.95; high-certainty evidence) and on the Trail Making Test-B for executive function, MD = −4.12 (95% CI = −21.28 to 13.03; moderate-certainty evidence). Subgroup analyses did not suggest consistently greater effects in older adults with MCI. Evidence is uncertain for language, and no studies evaluated social cognition or perceptual–motor function. Conclusions dance probably improves global cognitive function and executive function. However, there is little difference in complex attention, and evidence also suggests little effect on learning and memory. Future research is needed to determine the optimal dose and if dance results in greater cognitive benefits than other types of physical activity and exercise.

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomas Månsson ◽  
Marieclaire Overton ◽  
Mats Pihlsgård ◽  
Sölve Elmståhl

Abstract Background A possible connection on vascular basis between impaired kidney function and cognitive dysfunction has been suggested in previous studies. Contradictory results regarding specific cognitive domains have been reported. The aim for this study was to investigate the association between kidney function and specific cognitive domains. Methods In this cross-sectional design, data from the general population based cohort study “Good aging in Skåne” (GÅS) was used. The sample included 2931 subjects ages 60 to 93 randomly selected from the southern part of Sweden. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for both creatinine and cystatine C was calculated using the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. The subjects underwent a test battery of neuropsychological tests assessing global cognitive function, learning and memory, language, complex attention, executive function, perceptual motor and meta-memory. Adjustments were made for age, sex, education and country of origin. Results After adjustment for demographic variables, impaired kidney function was associated with 0.41 points worse result in MMSE, 0.56 points worse result in recognition, 0.66 points worse result in word fluency, 0.45 points worse result in digit cancellation, 0.99 points worse result in pattern comparison, and 3.71 s longer time to finish TMT B-A. Associations to cognitive function was also noted for mildly impaired kidney function defined as eGFR 45- < 60 ml/min/1,73m2. No association was found between kidney function and meta-memory. Conclusions Impaired kidney function as well as the severity of impaired kidney function is associated with impairment in learning and memory, language, complex attention, executive function and global cognitive function, but not meta-memory.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e001173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary E Lacy ◽  
Paola Gilsanz ◽  
Chloe W Eng ◽  
Michal S Beeri ◽  
Andrew J Karter ◽  
...  

IntroductionDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes. DKA is associated with poorer cognition in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D), but whether this is the case in older adults with T1D is unknown. Given the increasing life expectancy in T1D, understanding the role of DKA on brain health in older adults is crucial.Research design and methodsWe examined the association of DKA with cognitive function in 714 older adults with T1D from the Study of Longevity in Diabetes. Participants self-reported lifetime exposure to DKA resulting in hospitalization; DKA was categorized into 0 hospitalization, 1 hospitalization or ≥2 hospitalizations (recurrent DKA). Global and domain-specific cognition (language, executive function/psychomotor speed, episodic memory and simple attention) were assessed. The association of DKA with cognitive function was evaluated via linear and logistic regression models.ResultsTwenty-eight percent of participants (mean age=67 years; mean age at diagnosis=28 years; average duration of diabetes=39 years) reported a lifetime history of DKA resulting in hospitalization (18.5% single DKA; 9.7% recurrent DKA). In fully adjusted models, those with recurrent DKA had lower global cognitive function (β=−0.13; 95% CI −0.22 to 0.02) and lower scores on the executive function/psychomotor speed domain (β=−0.34; 95% CI −0.51 to 0.17). Individuals with recurrent DKA were also more likely to have the lowest level of cognitive function on the executive function/psychomotor speed domain (defined as 1.5 SD below the population mean; OR=3.26, 95% CI 1.43 to 7.42).ConclusionsAmong 714 older adults with T1D, recurrent DKA was associated with lower global cognitive function, lower scores on the executive function/psychomotor speed domain and 3.3 times greater risk of having the lowest level of cognitive function in our sample on the executive function/psychomotor speed domain. These findings suggest that recurrent DKA may negatively impact the brain health of older patients with T1D and highlight the importance of DKA prevention.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 91-91
Author(s):  
Y Osuka ◽  
H Kim ◽  
N Kojima ◽  
Y Watanabe ◽  
H Inagaki ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
JIN-HYUCK PARK

Even though a variety of cognitive interventions have been conducted to ameliorate age-related cognitive declines, the effects of cognitive intervention using activities in everyday life are still unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects between tablet computer-based productive and receptive cognitive engagement using an alternating-treatment design. Three healthy older adults performed a total of 19 sessions consisting of three baseline periods and 16 alternating training sessions. The training sessions were divided into four blocks and each block involved four treatment sessions. Productive and receptive engagements were randomly allocated to four treatment sessions. All participants alternatively received productive engagement that requires learning new practical applications and receptive engagement requiring little new learning such as listening to music. Prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy and executive function through the Trail Making Test were assessed at the baseline and the end of each session. All data were visually analyzed. Visual analysis results showed that the productive engagement was associated with higher PFC activity and faster performance in the Trail Making Test, compared to those utilizing receptive engagement. These results suggest that productive engagement might be effective in facilitating PFC activity and improving the executive function of healthy older adults, indicating cognitively challenging activities are more beneficial relative to nonchallenging activities.


2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeannine S. Skinner ◽  
Willie Mae Abel ◽  
Katryna McCoy ◽  
Conseulo H. Wilkins

<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The obesity paradox has been documented in aged populations, yet it remains unclear if this paradox persists for physical and cognitive outcomes in community- dwelling older adult populations. Our study examines associations between body mass index (BMI) classification, cognitive function, and physical function. We also investigate whether these associations are modified by race or age. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Cross-sectional study. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Settings: </strong>Senior residential sites and community centers in Saint Louis, Missouri. </p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Study participants included 331 adults, aged &gt;55 years. Age was stratified into young-old (aged 55-74 years) and older (aged ≥75 years). <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Outcome Measures: </strong>Physical function was measured using the mini-Physical Performance Test (mini-PPT) and grip strength. Cognitive function was assessed with the Short Blessed Test (SBT) and the Trail Making Tests (TMT-A and TMT-B) performance. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Older adults who were obese had significantly better cognitive flexibility (TMTB) performance than normal weight older adults (P=.02), and this association was not influenced by age or race. Adiposity was not associated with psychomotor speed (TMTA), general cognition (SBT), or measures of physical function (Ps&gt;.05). <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In a diverse sample of community-dwelling older adults, we found partial support for the controversial obesity paradox. Our results suggest excess adiposity may be protective for executive function processes. Future research is needed to examine the underlying physiological processes linking adiposity to executive function in older adults. <em></em></p><p><em>Ethn Dis. </em>2017;27(4):387-394; doi:10.18865/ed.27.4.387. </p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 367-368
Author(s):  
Desiree Bygrave ◽  
Regina Wright

Abstract Carotid atherosclerosis has emerged as an early predictor of reduced cognitive function. Underlying this association are risk factors, such as overweight and obesity, that promote carotid atherosclerosis and poor cognitive outcomes. Given the prevalence of overweight and obesity among older adults, there is a critical need to better understand how atherosclerosis influences cognitive function in the context of elevated weight. To address this gap, the current study examined relations between carotid atherosclerosis (carotid intima-media thickness [IMT]), and attention (Trailmaking Test) and executive function (Verbal Fluency Test) performance, and whether they varied as a function of weight status (body mass index [BMI] classification). Data were analyzed from 162 older adults (mean age = 68.43y, 34% male, 41% African American), free of major disease. Mutliple regression and analysis of variance analyses, adjusted for age, sex, education and mean arterial pressure, showed a statistically significant IMT x BMI interaction for Verbal Fluency performance (p=.04) and a trending IMT x BMI interaction for Trailmaking A performance (p=.05). Simple effects analysis of IMT and Verbal Fluency performance showed that this association was most pronounced among those who are obese. Findings suggest atherosclerosis may influence executive function in the context of obesity among older adults. As the development of carotid atherosclerosis is strongly related to aging, our findings suggest that maintaining a healthy weight may reduce its impact on executive function in older adulthood.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1252-1252
Author(s):  
Saranya Patel ◽  
Jeffrey Schaffert ◽  
Anne Carlew ◽  
Michael Conley ◽  
Heidi Rossetti ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Various methods are used to derive normative data for neuropsychological assessment measures. The National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) regression norms (2011) are frequently used within Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers, yet little research exists comparing these norms to similar regression/non-regression-based norms. Normative data for the widely-used Trail Making Test (TMTA&B) was compared between two regression-based normative data methods (Mitrushina and NACC) and traditional normative methods (i.e., Mayo’s Older Americans Normative Studies [MOANS]). Method TMTA&B data were obtained from 14,873 cognitively normal NACC participants (ages: 50–89; education: M = 15.81, SD = 2.90). T-scores for TMTA&B scores based on Mitrushina, NACC, and MOANS norms were computed. T-scores for regression norms were bounded from 20 to 80. Cohen’s d effect sizes were used to compare differences in scores. Results MOANS and Mitrushina norms produced similar normative scores in the overall sample (TMTA T-score difference = 1.06, d = 0.112, TMTB T-score difference = 1.4, d = 0.144). NACC-derived scores were ~ 0.5 SD below MOANS (TMTA T-score difference = −5.3, d = 0.553, TMTB T-score difference = −4.1, d = 0.427) and Mitrushina scores (TMTA T-score difference = −6.3, d = 0.736, TMTB T-score difference = −5.6, d = 0.615). NACC data produced the lowest average TMTA&B T-scores across all 5-year age band groups. Conclusions Significantly lower TMT scores were obtained using NACC’s regression-based norms compared to both MOANS norms and Mitrushina regression norms. These results underscore that the choice of norms may under and/or overestimate cognitive functioning, and comparison norms must be chosen carefully when making decisions about patients’ cognitive status. Future research applying NACC’s regression-based norms to other commonly used neuropsychological measures is warranted.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary E Lacy ◽  
Paola Gilsanz ◽  
Chloe Eng ◽  
Michal S Beeri ◽  
Andrew J Karter ◽  
...  

Introduction: Studies have shown poorer cognitive function in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) as compared to non-diabetic peers. However, little is known about cognitive function in older adults with T1D. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that older adults with T1D and type 2 diabetes (T2D) would have greater cognitive impairment than age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education-matched controls without diabetes. Methods: We compared baseline cognitive impairment among older adults (aged ≥60) from the Study of Longevity in Diabetes (SOLID) with T1D (n=771), T2D (=234) and no diabetes (n=253). Cognitive tests assessed three cognitive domains identified via factor analysis (language, executive function, episodic memory). All cognitive test scores were standardized and cognitive impairment was defined as 1.5 SD below the mean. In logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, education, and race/ethnicity, we examined the association between diabetes status (T1D, T2D or no diabetes) and cognition on each cognitive domain and on global cognition (average of scores on the 3 domains). Results: In adjusted regression models, compared to older adults without diabetes, those with T1D were more likely to have impaired cognitive function on the language (OR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.08, 4.17) and executive function domains (OR=2.66, 95% CI: 1.36, 5.22). No significant differences in global cognitive impairment or impairment on the episodic memory domain were observed for T1D and no significant differences on any domain were observed for T2D. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that older adults with T1D have greater cognitive impairment than their peers without diabetes; findings were specific to the language and executive function domains, with episodic memory being unaffected. No increase in cognitive impairment was observed for older adults with T2D. Additional research is needed to understand the causes and potentially modifiable factors associated with impaired cognition among older adults with T1D.


Author(s):  
Byungjoo Noh ◽  
Changhong Youm ◽  
Myeounggon Lee ◽  
Hwayoung Park

This study aimed to identify classifier variables by considering both gait and physical fitness for identifying adults aged over 75 years and global cognitive function declines in older adults. The participants included 735 adults aged 65–89 years who were asked to walk at three different speeds (slower, preferred, and faster) while wearing inertial measurement units embedded in shoe-type data loggers and to perform nine physical fitness tests. The variability in the stance phase as well as the strength, balance, and functional endurance showed a strong dependence on the age being over 75 years. The cognitive function was evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination; a longer stance phase at a slower walking speed and decreased grip strength and five times sit-to-stand were associated with cognitive function. These findings may be useful for determining the decline in physical performance of older adults. A longer stance phase and decreased grip strength and five times sit-to-stand may be factors that help distinguish declines in cognitive function from normal age-related declines.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S650-S650
Author(s):  
Keqing Zhang ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Yanyan Wu

Abstract Improvements in health and increase in life expectancy have contributed to the increasing proportion of older population over the past century. It is estimated that by 2050, the number of older adults with cognitive impairments in the United States will increase by 2.5-4 fold, while age-specific rates remain constant. This paper uses data from 10 waves (1996-2014) of the Health and Retirement Study (N= 33213) to crystalize the trends in cognitive function changes and cognitive impairment rates in a nationally representative sample of older adults. OLS and logistic regressions are used to estimate the trends and determine the contribution of sociodemographic variables to decreasing trends in the prevalence of cognitive impairment over time. Results show that with the increase of age, the cognitive function of older adults decline in all races, after adjustment for age, gender, education, and other sociodemographic factors. Also, the annual decline rate of cognitive function is larger for African Americans and Hispanic Americans, while smaller for white and other races. A further investigation of the possibility of cognitive impairment reveals a different scenario: as individual ages, the Hispanic are the least likely to suffer from cognitive impairment, followed by the white, other and black. Improvements in educational level contribute to declines in cognitive impairment across all races, particular the Hispanic Americans. Race-specific findings suggest that future research need to take into account the racial diversity and possibly cultural influences when examining the cognitive functions of older adults.


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