Associations Between Actigraphy-Assessed Health Behaviors and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

Abstract Lifestyle behaviors are important determinants of healthy brain aging. Research has not fully explored how sleep quality and physical activity may differentially influence specific domains of cognitive function. The present study aimed to estimate the relative influence of sleep quality and physical activity on cognitive performance in three domains in a sample of older adults. Older adults (ages 60-89, M = 74.74) without cognitive impairment (N= 160) wore an accelerometer for 7 days in a free-living environment. We used average vector magnitude counts per minute to measure total physical activity (TPA), and average wake after sleep onset (WASO) to measure sleep quality. We created cognitive composite scores (executive function, attention, and verbal memory) from neuropsychological data using confirmatory factor analysis. We regressed cognitive scores onto TPA and WASO with age and education entered as covariates. Higher amounts of physical activity and better sleep quality were associated with better executive function (R2 = 20.3%, F (4, 155) = 11.12, p < .001). Neither physical activity nor sleep quality was associated with verbal memory or attention. Results suggest that more physical activity and improved ability to stay asleep may benefit executive function, but not other cognitive domains. Future studies should clarify the interaction and mechanisms of action between health behaviors and cognitive performance in older adults.

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Actigraphy Measured Physical Activity on Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3237 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 899-899

Author(s):

Pilar Thangwaritorn ◽

Amber Watts

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Functioning ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Living Environment ◽

Future Research ◽

Memory And Attention ◽

Composite Scores

Abstract Physical activity may preserve cognitive functioning in older adults. This study examined associations between objectively measured physical activity and cognitive functioning. We recruited participants (Mage = 75.38 years, SD = 5.99) with (N=26) and without (N=181) cognitive impairment from the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center (KU-ADC). We collected cognitive data representing verbal memory, attention, and executive function. Accelerometers (Actigraph GT9X) were used to measure physical activity 24 hours a day for 7 days in a free-living environment. Physical activity was categorized as moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) based on the Freedson (2011) Adult Vector Magnitude cut points. The association between cognitive functioning and total MVPA was evaluated by using multiple regression. We used factor analysis to create three composite scores (verbal memory, attention, executive function) from 11 individual cognitive tests. Compared to verbal memory and attention, results indicate that total MVPA was more strongly associated with executive function (β = 0.001, p = .024). These findings are consistent with the literature suggesting that executive function in older adults may benefit from physical activity. Future research should investigate the physiological mechanisms by which MVPA benefits executive function in contrast to types of activity that might benefit verbal memory and attention.

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How Older Adults Cope with Cognitive Complexity and Environmental Constraints during Dual-Task Walking: The Role of Executive Function Involvement

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16101835 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (10) ◽

pp. 1835 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Roberta Forte ◽

Caterina Pesce ◽

Angela Di Baldassarre ◽

John Shea ◽

Claudia Voelcker-Rehage ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Dual Task ◽

Cognitive Complexity ◽

Cognitive Task ◽

Activity Level ◽

Environmental Constraints

This cross-sectional study investigated the interactive dual-task (DT) effects of executive function demands and environmental constraints on older adults’ walking and the moderating role of habitual physical activity (PA). Locomotor performance under different environmental constraints (flat versus obstructed walking) and cognitive performance with different executive function involvement (backward counting versus random number generation) were assessed under single-task (ST) and DT conditions in 135 participants (mean age 68.1 ± 8.4). The weekly number of daily steps was measured. Reciprocal DT effects of walking on cognitive performance and of the cognitive task on gait performance were computed and submitted to analyses of covariance with age, PA level, and cognitive functioning as covariates, followed by linear regressions with PA level as predictor. Cognitive task demands and environmental constraints individually and jointly affected gait variability (p = 0.033, ηp2 = 0.08) and executive function performance (p = 0.009, ηp2 = 0.09). Physical activity level predicted a low but significant percentage of variance of DT effects on gait only in flat walking (R2 = 0.04, p = 0.027). Results suggest that older individuals may adopt variable task prioritization in dual tasking depending on the type of executive function involvement and the environmental constraints on walking. Their DT ability was slightly affected by habitual PA.

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Low Frequency Extension Filter and ActiGraph-Calculated Sleep Intervals in Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1381 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 428-428

Author(s):

Hilary Hicks ◽

Alex Laffer ◽

Genna Losinski ◽

Amber Watts

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Sleep Onset ◽

Low Frequency ◽

Careful Consideration ◽

Living Environment ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Paired Samples ◽

Improve Accuracy ◽

Movement Threshold

Abstract Actigraphy has become a popular, non-invasive means of continuously monitoring physical activity and sleep. One optional setting, the low frequency extension (LFE) filter, reduces the movement threshold to capture low acceleration activity that is common in older adults. This filter significantly alters physical activity outcomes (e.g., step counts), but it is unclear if this has implications for sleep interval calculations that rely upon accurate differentiation between physical activity and sleep. We investigated the effects of the LFE filter on wrist-worn sleep estimates in older adults. Participants were 9 older adults who wore the ActiGraph GT9X on their non-dominant wrist for 7 days in a free-living environment. Raw data was processed with and without the LFE filter enabled, and sleep intervals were calculated by a proprietary ActiGraph algorithm. Paired samples t-tests demonstrated that the LFE filter generated significantly later bedtimes, fewer minutes spent in bed, shorter sleep duration, and fewer awakenings during the night compared to when the filter was disabled (all p < .043). Use of the LFE filter did not lead to differences in arise time, sleep latency, efficiency, or wake after sleep onset (all p > .052). While the LFE filter was designed to improve accuracy of physical activity estimates in more sedentary populations, these findings suggest that the LFE filter also has the potential to impact sleep estimates of older adults. Researchers using ActiGraph-calculated sleep would benefit from careful consideration of this software-dependent impact.

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EXAMINING SEX DIFFERENCES WITHIN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTION IN OLDER ADULTS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1915 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S519-S520

Author(s):

Genna Losinski ◽

Hilary J Hicks ◽

Alex Laffer ◽

Amber Watts

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Executive Function ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Living Environment ◽

Digit Symbol Substitution Test ◽

Activity Intensity ◽

Symbol Substitution ◽

Stroop Color Word Test ◽

Current Sample

Abstract Research has demonstrated sex-associated differences in physical activity and its benefits on cognition in older adults. The present study explored differential associations between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and executive function, which is known to decline with aging. N = 53 older adults without cognitive impairment (M = 73.19 years, SD = 6.53) wore accelerometers (Actigraph GT3X+) during 7 consecutive days. Activity intensity was categorized as light, moderate, or vigorous based on Freedson Adult Vector Magnitude cutpoints. Participants completed a battery of executive function tests: Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Verbal Fluency, Trail Making Test, and Stroop Color-Word Test. A cognitive composite score was created using confirmatory factor analysis. Women had a higher mean MVPA (4.57%) than men (2.64%, t (19.04) = -2.49, p = .022). However, executive function performance did not differ by sex (t (26.20) = 1.67, p =.107). The interaction between sex and time in MVPA did not predict performance on executive function, adjusting for age and education. Older age was the only significant predictor of poorer executive function (β = -0.038, p = .003). The current sample had limited engagement in MVPA (range 0.18-10.87%). These findings suggest that the amount of engagement in MVPA in a free-living environment may not be sufficient to demonstrate sex-associated differences in executive function performance. Future studies should explore executive function performance with other intensity levels and examine other areas of cognition.

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EXAMINING PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS, HEALTH BEHAVIORS, AND WHITE MATTER LESIONS IN OLDER ADULTS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.157 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S40-S40

Author(s):

Desiree Bygrave ◽

Regina S Wright

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

African American ◽

White Matter ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Health Behaviors ◽

Cognitive Decline ◽

African American Women ◽

White Matter Lesions ◽

Brain Pathology

Abstract Prior to the onset of dementia, subclinical indices of brain pathology may reliably predict cognitive decline, even among older adults with high cognitive reserve. Evidence suggests that positive psychosocial experiences and healthy behaviors buffer cognitive decline. However, their relationship with brain outcomes in cognitively intact older adults is not well understood. Therefore, the current study examined the cross-sectional association between perceived social support, generalized anxiety, psychosocial stress, physical activity, sleep quality, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-assessed white matter lesions (WML), among a diverse sample of older adults. We also examined sex and race as effect modifiers. Data were analyzed from 129 participants (mean age=67.40y, 69% female, 43% African American) enrolled in the Healthy Heart & Mind Study. Participants completed psychosocial and health behavior measures and MRI-assessed periventricular and deep WML were ascertained. Multiple regression analyses assessed relations of psychosocial responses and physical activity to WML, adjusting for known covariates. Significant general anxiety x sex interactions on deep WML (p<.05), significant physical activity x race interactions on total WML, frontal lobe WML and deep WML, respectively, and total sleep quality x race interactions on deep WML, were observed (p<.05). Conditional effects showed greater physical activity and sleep quality were associated with lower WML in African-American women; greater social belonging was associated with lower WML in American-American men; and lower anxiety was associated with lower WML in African-American women and White men. Results suggest positive psychosocial factors and health behaviors may influence subclinical brain pathology via unique pathways.

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Socioeconomic inequalities in cognitive performance among early ageing people: The Constances cohort

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.241 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

N Letellier ◽

I Carrière ◽

E Cadot ◽

L Berkman ◽

M Goldberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Performance ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Brain Aging ◽

Poor Performance ◽

Deprivation Level ◽

Individual Characteristics ◽

Living Environment ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Individual Level

Abstract Background In spite of the recent awareness of environmental characteristic’s impact on brain aging, links between contextual socioeconomic status and cognitive performance (CP) remains unclear. The objective was to investigate the influence of individual and contextual deprivation on cognitive performance in order to better characterize vulnerable population. Methods We performed cross-sectional analyses on 44,762 participants (45-70 y) of the French Constances cohort. Cognitive performance was assessed using a global cognitive score calculated with 6 cognitive tests evaluating global cognitive function, episodic verbal memory, language abilities, and executive functions. Poor performance was defined as a score below or equal to the 25th percentile of the distribution. We approached the deprivation by two validated multidimensional index: at individual level with the EPICES score (deprived if < 30.17) and contextual level with the FDep09 score divided in quintile (Q5 being the most deprived). Associations were estimated with multilevel logistic regressions. Results At the individual level, participants more deprived had poorer CP independently to sex, age, education and health status (OR 1.58 [1.48; 1.69]). At the contextual level, the more people lived in deprived environment, the poorer their CP (p<.0001), even after adjustment on individual deprivation and other individual characteristics (Q5 vs Q1: OR 1.28 [1.15; 1.41]). Conclusions In this large cohort of early-ageing people, area-based disparities in cognitive impairment were highlighted. A better understanding of the influence of living environment deprivation level on cognitive aging could help to define new strategies in prevention by targeting at-risk populations in interventions studies in order to reduce social health inequalities. Key messages Our study evidenced a strong socio-economic gradient of cognitive performance identifiable on both individual and contextual level, in a large sample of middle-aged volunteers. Independently to individual deprivation and other individual characteristics, living in a deprived environment may be detrimental to the brain health.

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Sex Differences in the Impact of BDNF Genotype on the Longitudinal Relationship between Physical Activity and Cognitive Performance

Gerontology ◽

10.1159/000486369 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 64 (4) ◽

pp. 361-372 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Amber Watts ◽

Shea J. Andrews ◽

Kaarin J. Anstey

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Sex Differences ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Population Based ◽

Carrier Status ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Longitudinal Association ◽

The Impact

Background: Physical activity may preserve cognitive function in older adults, but benefits vary by sex and genetic factors. Objective: We tested the longitudinal association between physical activity and cognitive performance to de termine whether a common genetic polymorphism for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF Val66Met) moderated this effect. Methods: In a 12-year longitudinal population-based sample of older adults (n = 2,218), we used growth curve modeling to investigate whether the benefits of physical activity on cognitive preservation differed by BDNF genotype and sex across multiple cognitive domains including processing speed, attention, working memory, and episodic verbal memory. Results: The relationship between physical activity and cognitive performance was dependent on BDNF carrier status in males (Δχ2 [Δdf] = 12.94 [4], p = 0.01), but not in females (Δχ2 [Δdf] = 4.38 [4], p = 0.36). Cognition benefited from physical activity in male BDNF met noncarriers, but not met carriers, whereas cognition was not statistically significantly related to physical activity in females regardless of genotype. Conclusion: We observed longitudinal, but not cross-sectional, effects of physical activity on cognitive performance. Our study highlights the importance of longitudinal follow-up and consideration of sex differences in the relationships between physical activity, BDNF genotype, and cognitive decline. The findings contribute to understanding gene-lifestyle interactions in promoting cognitive health.

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The Benefits of Physical Activity in Individuals with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Longitudinal Investigation Using fNIRS and Dual-Task Walking

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10040579 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 579

Author(s):

Deborah Talamonti ◽

Thomas Vincent ◽

Sarah Fraser ◽

Anil Nigam ◽

Frédéric Lesage ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Dual Task ◽

Gait Speed ◽

Regular Physical Activity ◽

Cortical Response

Cardiovascular fitness is linked to better executive functions, preserved gait speed, and efficient cortical activity. Older adults with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) typically show poor cognitive performance, low physical fitness, and altered brain functioning compared with healthy individuals. In the current study, the impact of regular physical activity on cognition, locomotion, and brain functions was explored in a cohort of older adults with low or high CVRFs. Cortical activation of the frontal areas was investigated using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) at baseline, at 6 months and at 12 months. Evoked cortical response and behavioral performance were assessed using the dual-task walking paradigm, consisting of three conditions: single cognitive task (2-back task), single walking task (walking), and dual-task (2-back whilst walking). Results show greater task-related cortical response at baseline in individuals with high CVRFs compared to those with low CVRFs. Moreover, participants with high CVRFs benefitted the most from participating in regular physical activity, as their cortical response decreased at the 12-month follow-up and became comparable to that of participants with low CVRFs. These changes were observed in conjunction with improved cognitive performance and stable gait speed throughout the 12-month period in both groups. Our findings provide evidence that participation in regular physical activity may be especially beneficial in individuals with CVRFs by promoting brain and cognitive health, thus potentially contributing to prevention of cognitive decline. Future research may explore whether such effects are maintained in the long-term in order to design ad-hoc interventions in this specific population.

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The Relations Between Physical Activity Level, Executive Function, and White Matter Microstructure in Older Adults

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2021-0012 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Marissa A. Gogniat ◽

Catherine M. Mewborn ◽

Talia L. Robinson ◽

Kharine R. Jean ◽

L. Stephen Miller

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Executive Function ◽

White Matter ◽

Diffusion Tensor ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Neuropsychological Testing ◽

Activity Level ◽

Average Intensity ◽

Age Related

The population of older adults is increasing, indicating a need to examine factors that may prevent or mitigate age-related cognitive decline. The current study examined whether microstructural white matter characteristics mediated the relation between physical activity and executive function in older adults without any self-reported psychiatric and neurological disorders or cognitive impairment (N = 43, mean age = 73 y). Physical activity was measured by average intensity and number of steps via accelerometry. Diffusion tensor imaging was used to examine microstructural white matter characteristics, and neuropsychological testing was used to examine executive functioning. Parallel mediation models were analyzed using microstructural white matter regions of interest as mediators of the association between physical activity and executive function. Results indicated that average steps was significantly related to executive function (β = 0.0003, t = 2.829, P = .007), while moderate to vigorous physical activity was not (β = 0.0007, t = 1.772, P = .08). White matter metrics did not mediate any associations. This suggests that microstructural white matter characteristics alone may not be the mechanism by which physical activity impacts executive function in aging.

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Teasing apart factors influencing executive function performance in bilinguals and monolinguals at different ages

Linguistic Approaches to Bilingualism ◽

10.1075/lab.15051.gat ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 6 (5) ◽

pp. 605-647 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Virginia C. Mueller Gathercole ◽

Enlli Môn Thomas ◽

Nestor Viñas Guasch ◽

Ivan Kennedy ◽

Cynog Prys ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Executive Function ◽

Reaction Time ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Language Proficiency ◽

Simon Task ◽

Relative Age ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

Different Ages

Abstract This study attempts to tease apart a variety of factors that may contribute to performance on executive function tasks. Data from the Simon task is re-examined to determine the contributions of age, SES, language proficiency/vocabulary, general cognitive performance, and bilingualism on performance. The results suggest influence from a variety of factors, with a major contribution from relative age and from language proficiency, as measured by vocabulary. Bilingualism showed some effect in relation to older adults’ accuracy of performance, in both congruent and incongruent conditions, but not to reaction time.

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