scholarly journals The relationship between functional status, physical fitness and cognitive performance in physically active older adults: A pilot study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. e0194918 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Ramnath ◽  
L. Rauch ◽  
E. V. Lambert ◽  
T. L. Kolbe-Alexander
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline Martins Alves ◽  
Luiza Alves da Silva ◽  
Tatiana Carvalho Reis Martins ◽  
Bruna Moretti Luchesi

Introduction: The aging process can result in the decline of cognitive function. Some factors may be beneficial for cognitive functioning in aging, such as physical activity. Objective: To analyze the relationship between physical activity and cognitive performance in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Cross-sectional and quantitative study, carried out in 2018/2019, with 491 older adults (≥60 years), registered in Primary Healthcare Units in Três Lagoas-MS. The older adults were divided into two groups: physically active (>150 minutes of moderate physical activity or >75 minutes of vigorous activity/week - n=320) and inactive (n=171), according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was also applied. T and chi-square tests were used to analyze the relationship between variables. Results: The physically active group were mostly women (60.8%), with an average of 69.7±6.9 years of age and 4.2±3.5 years of schooling. In the inactive group, the majority were women (59.7%), with 71.4±8.2 years of age and 4.0±4.2 of schooling. The groups were similar in terms of sex and education, but the inactive group was older (p=0.029). The active older adults had a mean of 23.7±3.8 points in the MMSE, and the inactive group, 21.9±4.6, with a significant difference (p <0.000), ndicating that the active group had a better cognitive performance. Conclusion: There is a relationship between being physically active and having a better cognitive performance. Physical activity in old age is related to benefits in several areas and must be incorporated into public health promotion and disease prevention policies.


Author(s):  
Maria Priscila Wermelinger Ávila ◽  
Jimilly Caputo Corrêa ◽  
Alessandra Lamas Granero Lucchetti ◽  
Giancarlo Lucchetti

The aim of this study was to longitudinally investigate the association between resilience and mental health in older adults and to determine the influence of physical activity on this relationship. A total of 291 older adults were included in a 2-year follow-up study. Adjusted linear regression models evaluated the association between resilience at baseline and mental health after 2 years in sufficiently and insufficiently physically active older adults. A negative correlation was found between resilience at baseline and depression, anxiety, and stress after 2 years for the overall sample. This association changed after stratifying the group. Sufficiently physically active individuals made greater use of the resilience components “Self-Sufficiency” and “Perseverance,” whereas insufficiently physically active individuals made greater use of “Meaning of Life” and “Existential Singularity.” Physical activity can influence the relationship between resilience and mental health. These results can help guide the devising of more effective interventions for this age group.


2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thaís Bento Lima-Silva ◽  
Mônica Sanches Yassuda

Abstract Normal aging can be characterized by a gradual decline in some cognitive functions, such as memory. Memory complaints are common among older adults, and may indicate depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline. Objectives: To investigate the association between memory complaints and age in cognitively unimpaired older adults, and the relationship between memory complaints and memory performance. Methods: Cognitive screening tests as well as memory complaint questionnaires validated for the Brazilian population were used: the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q), Memory test of 18 pictures, Forward and Backward Digit Span (WAIS-III). Fifty seven regular members of the SESC social club participated (50 women), having a mean age of 71.4 years, and 4 to 8 years of education - 34 from 4 to 7 years and 23 with 8 years of education. Results: Results revealed no significant association between cognitive complaints and age or cognitive performance. Older participants in this sample did not show worse performance or a higher level of complaints. There was no significant association between age and GDS scores. Conclusions: The studied sample constitutes a particular group of older adults whose participation in activities may be protecting them from cognitive decline, thus highlighting the impact of lifestyle on cognitive performance during the aging process.


Author(s):  
Stephanie Hatzifilalithis ◽  
Elisavet Chrysochoou ◽  
George Pavlidis ◽  
Ana B. Vivas

The present study examined the relation between cognitive performance and social networking in older adults from Canada and Greece. The two groups were matched on age, gender, education level, and MMSE scores. Participants reported the amount of both off-line and online networking, as well as the social support received in these contexts. Immediate and delayed recall, speed of processing, and executive functioning were also assessed. Online networking was associated with executive functioning. Interestingly, country context didn’t moderate the relationship, despite differences observed between Greeks and Canadians in executive functioning and online networking. Our findings suggest that online social participation could serve both as a source of social support and as cognitive training, benefiting older adults’ cognitive vitality. The findings are discussed in relation to the characteristics of the specific countries, stressing the need to explore the effects of online social networking and participation on cognitive function in the aging population.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 662
Author(s):  
Hanna M. Rempe ◽  
Gudrun Sproesser ◽  
Anne Hannink ◽  
Thomas Skurk ◽  
Beate Brandl ◽  
...  

In older adults, the relationship between healthy eating motivation (HEM) and protein intake as key component of a healthy diet is poorly understood. Therefore, we investigate the association of HEM with (1) total protein intake and (2) intake of different protein sources in older adults with varying functional status. In this cross-sectional study including 250 adults (≥70 years), we assessed HEM with “The Eating Motivation Survey” and protein intake by 7-day food records. In addition, gender, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), energy intake and functional status were considered. Regression analyses revealed that HEM was neither related to total (β = −0.02; p = 0.723) nor to relative protein intake (β = 0.04; p = 0.370). Notwithstanding this, participants with stronger HEM showed lower intake of protein from meat and meat products (β = −0.14; p = 0.018), higher intake of overall plant-based protein (β = 0.11; p = 0.032), protein from fruit and vegetables (β = 0.20; p = 0.002) and from pulses, nuts an seeds (β = 0.16; p = 0.016). Our findings suggest HEM as a valuable indicator for intake of distinct protein sources. However, since HEM is not related to total protein intake, the importance of sufficient protein consumption should be emphasized by promoting healthy eating, regardless of self-perceived HEM.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S529-S530
Author(s):  
Ilana J Engel ◽  
Tamara A Baker

Abstract Social isolation is often associated with smaller social networks, bereavement, and chronic health problems. In addition, underserved neighborhoods, without the resources and social support of other areas, may further promote social isolation among older adults. This study utilized data from the 2nd wave of the nationally representative National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) to examine if perceived neighborhood danger mediates the relationship between social isolation and functional impairment. We hypothesized that those who are less socially connected and feel less safe in their communities may experience worse health outcomes. Data for the total sample (N=1,804; 62-91 years of age) showed that partial mediation was supported, (F 2, 1801 = 22.91, p&lt;0.01). Similar statistics were found by gender (men, F 2, 985 = 8.20, p&lt;0.01; women, F 2, 813 = 14.79, p&lt;0.01). This relationship, however, showed a stronger association among women (β = -.39, p&lt;.01) than men (β = -.26, p&lt;.05). Findings indicate that the relationship between perceived social isolation and impaired functional status may be partially explained by perceived neighborhood danger. These findings suggest that older adults who perceive their neighborhoods as dangerous, may be more socially isolated, and at risk for functional decline. These results support the Reserve Capacity Model, which posits that social resources are of increased importance for socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. Additional research is needed to examine how such factors as stress, environment, and access to care contribute to our understanding of health outcomes among this population of adults.


2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry L. Hildreth ◽  
Rachael E. Van Pelt ◽  
Kerrie L. Moreau ◽  
Jim Grigsby ◽  
Karin F. Hoth ◽  
...  

Aims: To examine the effects of pioglitazone or endurance exercise training on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and insulin resistance. Methods: Seventy-eight adults (mean age ± SD: 65 ± 7 years) with central obesity and MCI were randomized to 6 months of endurance exercise, pioglitazone or control. Results: Sixty-six participants completed the study. Exercise training did not significantly increase peak oxygen uptake compared to control (p = 0.12). Compared to control, insulin resistance improved in the pioglitazone group (p = 0.002) but not in the exercise group (p = 0.25). There was no measureable effect of pioglitazone or exercise on cognitive performance compared to control. Conclusion: In this pilot study, pioglitazone improved insulin resistance but not cognitive performance in older adults with MCI and insulin resistance.


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