Microglial correlates of late life physical activity: Relationship with synaptic and cognitive aging in older adults

This study investigated the bidirectional association between physical and cognitive function in later life and examined the mechanisms underlying the interrelationship. We employed cross-lagged panel models to analyze a sample of 4232 unique participants aged 65 years and older from three waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Physical activity and social participation were tested as potential mediators between physical and cognitive function. Our findings revealed a reciprocal relationship between physical and cognitive function and a reciprocal relationship between physical and cognitive decline. Moreover, physical activity was confirmed to mediate the bidirectional association between physical and cognitive function, whereas social participation did not seem to be a mediator. A vicious cycle linking physical and cognitive decline may exist in Chinese older adults. However, leading a physically active lifestyle could be an effective intervention to slow physical and cognitive aging, thereby toning down the vicious cycle.

Download Full-text

Late‐life physical activity relates to brain tissue synaptic integrity markers in older adults

Alzheimer s & Dementia ◽

10.1002/alz.12530 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Kaitlin Casaletto ◽

Alfredo Ramos‐Miguel ◽

Anna VandeBunte ◽

Molly Memel ◽

Aron Buchman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Brain Tissue ◽

Late Life

Download Full-text

Positive Psychosocial Factors and Cognition in Ethnically Diverse Older Adults

Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society ◽

10.1017/s1355617717000935 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

pp. 294-304 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Laura B. Zahodne ◽

Caitlin W.-M. Watson ◽

Sonia Seehra ◽

Michelle N. Martinez

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Psychosocial Factors ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Late Life ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Multiple Group ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Washington Heights ◽

Racial Ethnic

AbstractObjectives: Cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence from largely non-Hispanic White cohorts suggests that positive psychosocial factors, particularly self-efficacy and social support, may protect against late-life cognitive decline. Identifying potentially protective factors in racial/ethnic minority elders is of high importance due to their increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The overall goal of this study was to characterize cross-sectional associations between positive psychosocial factors and cognitive domains among Black, Hispanic, and White older adults. Methods: A total of 548 older adults (41% Black, 28% Hispanic, 31% White) in the Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project completed cognitive and psychosocial measures from the NIH Toolbox and standard neuropsychological tests. Multiple-group regressions were used to compare cross-sectional associations between positive psychosocial factors and cognition across racial/ethnic groups, independent of demographics, depressive symptoms, and physical health. Results: Positive associations between self-efficacy and language did not significantly differ across race/ethnicity, although the bivariate association between self-efficacy and language was not significant among Hispanics. Additional positive associations were observed for Whites and Blacks, but not Hispanics. Negative associations between emotional support and purpose in life and working memory were seen only in Hispanics. Conclusions: Results confirm and extend the link between self-efficacy and cognition in late life, particularly for White and Black older adults. Previous studies on positive psychosocial factors in cognitive aging may not be generalizable to Hispanics. Longitudinal follow-up is needed to determine whether negative relationships between certain psychosocial factors and cognition in Hispanics reflect reverse causation, threshold effects, and/or negative aspects of having a strong social network. (JINS, 2018, 24, 294–304)

Download Full-text

Linking objective measures of physical activity and capability with brain structure in healthy community dwelling older adults

10.1101/2021.01.28.21250529 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Anne-Marthe Sanders ◽

Geneviève Richard ◽

Knut Kolskår ◽

Kristine M. Ulrichsen ◽

Tobias Kaufmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

White Matter ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Brain Morphology ◽

Brain Health ◽

Physical Capability ◽

Brain Age

AbstractMaintaining high levels of daily activity and physical capability have been proposed as important constituents to promote healthy brain and cognitive aging. Studies investigating the associations between brain health and physical activity in late life have, however, mainly been based on self-reported data or measures designed for clinical populations. In the current study, we examined cross-sectional associations between physical activity, recorded by an ankle-positioned accelerometer for seven days, physical capability (grip strength, postural control, and walking speed), and neuroimaging based surrogate markers of brain health in 122 healthy older adults aged 65-88 years. We used a multimodal brain imaging approach offering two complementary structural MRI based indicators of brain health: white matter diffusivity and coherence based on diffusion tensor imaging and subcortical and global brain age based on brain morphology inferred from T1-weighted MRI data. The analyses revealed a significant association between global white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) and walking speed, indicating higher white matter coherence in people with higher pace. We also found a significant interaction between sex and brain age on number of daily steps, indicating younger-appearing brains in more physically active women, with no significant associations among men. These results provide insight into the intricate associations between different measures of brain and physical health in old age, and corroborate established public health advice promoting physical activity.

Download Full-text

MOBILITY AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN OLDER ADULTS: OBSERVATIONAL AND INTERVENTION RESEARCH

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1605 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S429-S430

Author(s):

Patricia M Bamonti ◽

Jonathan Bean

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Late Life ◽

Intervention Research ◽

Future Research ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

National Guidelines ◽

Mobility Disability ◽

The Impact

Abstract Mobility disability is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in late life. Physical activity [PA] is a modifiable behavior that can reduce mobility disability, as well as improve physical and mental health outcomes in older adults. However, only a minority of older adults meet the minimum PA requirements based on national guidelines. Research examining factors impacting PA and mobility in late life, as well as novel interventions to increase PA and improve mobility is essential to enhancing health and wellbeing. This symposium will provide an overview of observational and intervention research focused on understanding factors associated with PA and mobility, as well as intervention research designed to increase PA and improve mobility in older adults. First, Dr. Lien Quach will present research examining the impact of social engagement in reducing the risk of mobility decline among older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Second, Dr. Patricia Bamonti will examine psychological factors related to uptake and adherence of pulmonary rehabilitation in older Veterans. Third, Dr. Stephanie Robinson will explore engagement, feasibility, acceptability, and change in PA following a web-based intervention in middle-aged and older adult patients with COPD. Fourth, Dr. Elisa Ogawa will present research examining the feasibility and acceptability of an exergaming intervention compared to an exercise control condition among older adults at risk for falls. The symposium will conclude with discussion led by Jonathan Bean, MD, MPH, who will highlight implications of findings across studies and identify areas for future research.

Download Full-text

Habit as moderator of the intention–physical activity relationship in older adults: a longitudinal study

Psychology and Health ◽

10.1080/08870446.2012.749476 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 28 (5) ◽

pp. 514-532 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Rob J.H. van Bree ◽

Maartje M. van Stralen ◽

Catherine Bolman ◽

Aart N. Mudde ◽

Hein de Vries ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Activity Relationship

Download Full-text

Irrelevant Gadgets or a Source of Worry

ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing ◽

10.1145/3473463 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. 1-28

Author(s):

Dimitri Vargemidis ◽

Kathrin Gerling ◽

Vero Vanden Abeele ◽

Luc Geurts ◽

Katta Spiel

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Individual Differences ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Older Persons ◽

Late Life ◽

Activity Trackers ◽

Wearable Activity Trackers

Wearable activity trackers are routinely applied in physical activity (PA) interventions in late life, but there is little research that focuses on older adults' perspectives on the technology. We conducted a qualitative study with 24 older persons to explore their perspective on wearables and PA. First, we discussed their relationship with PA and wearable trackers during focus groups. Next, nine participants crafted prototypes for wearables during co-design sessions. Through Thematic Analysis, we identified two main themes: (1) PA is personal in terms of preferred activities and reasons for PA, and (2) wearables are an emotional technology, causing negative emotions when resembling medical trackers or pressurizing to perform. We followed upon these results through a survey with 41 participants, which further highlighted individual differences in the perception of wearables. We conclude with questions to guide the design of wearables and reflect on their role to support PA in late life.

Download Full-text

Subjective Social Status Predicts Late-Life Memory Trajectories through Both Mental and Physical Health Pathways

Gerontology ◽

10.1159/000487304 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 64 (5) ◽

pp. 466-474 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Laura B. Zahodne ◽

A. Zarina Kraal ◽

Afsara Zaheed ◽

Ketlyne Sol

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Physical Health ◽

Social Status ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Structural Equation Models ◽

Late Life ◽

The United States ◽

Subjective Social Status ◽

Mental And Physical Health

Background: Subjective social status (SSS) is associated with mental and physical health, independent of objective socioeconomic status (SES), but its association with late-life cognitive decline is unknown. Objective: This study characterizes the association between SSS and late-life memory trajectories in a large, nationally representative sample of older adults in the United States. Methods: Using data from 8,530 participants aged 65 years and older in the Health and Retirement Study, structural equation models tested associations between SSS, objective SES (i.e., educational attainment, occupation, income, and wealth), physical and mental health, and 6-year memory trajectories, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Independent of objective SES, lower SSS was associated with worse initial memory but not subsequent memory decline. The association between SSS and initial memory was separately mediated by chronic diseases, stroke, and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Results provide preliminary behavioral evidence for the deleterious effects of social stress on cognitive aging. These results may help inform the development of policies and interventions to reduce cognitive morbidity among older adults who perceive a low position on the social hierarchy.

Download Full-text

Late-Life Cognition and Dementia in India: New Insights From LASI-DAD

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2277 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 659-659

Author(s):

Jinkook Lee

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Neuropsychological Test ◽

Late Life ◽

Cognitive Domains ◽

Assessment Protocol ◽

Aging Study ◽

Dementia Research ◽

Depth Study ◽

Longitudinal Aging Study

Abstract With more than1.35 billion people, India, the second-most populous country in the world, is soon to experience rapid aging of its population. By2050, India’s older population is projected to reach320 million (about the current size of the entire U.S. population). In this session we introduce the Longitudinal Aging Study in India – Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia (LASI-DAD), a new cohort study designed to advance dementia research to better understand late-life cognition, cognitive aging, cognitive impairment, and dementia, as well as their risk and protective factors. LASI is a prospective, multi-purpose population survey of older adults aged45 and older, representative of the entire country and of each state (N~72,000). LASI-DAD is an in-depth study of late-life cognition and dementia, drawing a sub-sample of older adults aged60 and older from LASI (N~4,300). It administered the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP), which consists of a pair of in-person interviews, one with the target respondent and one with an informant nominated by the respondent. The respondent interview includes a neuropsychological test battery designed to measure a range of key cognitive domains affected by cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s Diseases. We organize the session to showcase LASI-DAD. Specifically, the session consists of four papers, including: (1) the introduction of the design and methodology, (2) the latent structure of neuropsychological test results, (3) the investigation of the relationship between visual impairment and cognition, and (4) the examination of female disadvantage in dementia and its association with cross-state variations in gender inequality.

Download Full-text

Can Light Physical Activity Improve Cognition Among Older Adults? A Scoping Review

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.3288 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 891-892

Author(s):

Emily Erlenbach ◽

Edward McAuley ◽

Neha Gothe

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Acute Exercise ◽

Cognitive Outcomes ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Healthy Older Adults ◽

Age Related ◽

Intensity Physical Activity

Abstract Although the physical and cognitive benefits of moderate-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) for older adults is well documented, this population often faces age-related functional and physical limitations impeding recommended MVPA participation. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in the independent health benefits of light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and its association with morbidity and mortality risk. LPA is the most common form of activity among older adults and its potential to combat cognitive aging needs to be investigated. The purpose of this scoping review was to catalog existing evidence on the association between device-based or technologically measured LPA and cognition among healthy older adults, identify trends in the literature, and pinpoint future areas of research. Six electronic databases were searched between January and August 2020. Eighteen published studies met the inclusion criteria: one acute exercise study, two randomized control trials (RCTs), twelve cross-sectional studies, and three longitudinal studies. Overall, n=9 studies (n=1 RCT, n=7 cross-sectional, and n=1 longitudinal) reported a significant, positive relationship between LPA and one or more cognitive outcomes including memory, attention, executive function and global cognition (MMSE/MOCA). These heterogeneous findings can largely be attributed to the diverse study designs, inconsistent definitions of LPA and numerous assessments used to test the cognitive domains. Collectively, these findings suggest LPA may be a potential lifestyle intervention to improve cognition among healthy older adults. However, the inconsistent approaches used among these studies suggests a more concerted, unified scientific approach and rigorous methodology are needed to further understand the LPA-cognition relationship.

Download Full-text