scholarly journals Exploring the “Obesity Paradox” as a Correlate of Cognitive and Physical Function in Community-Dwelling Black and White Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeannine S. Skinner ◽  
Willie Mae Abel ◽  
Katryna McCoy ◽  
Conseulo H. Wilkins
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Obesity Paradox ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional

<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>

scholarly journals Self-efficacy and Physical and Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-69
Author(s):  
Rachel E. Bollaert ◽  
Robert W. Motl
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Demographic Shift ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: There is evidence of a demographic shift in the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) such that it is now common in older adults. Older adults with MS undergo declines in function, and aging with MS may compromise one's perception of confidence for managing this disease and its manifestations. This cross-sectional study examined the associations between self-efficacy and physical and cognitive function in older (≥ 60 years) adults with MS. Methods: The sample included 40 older adults with MS who completed the Multiple Sclerosis Self-efficacy (MSSE) Scale, undertook measures of physical and cognitive function, and wore an accelerometer for 7 days. The data were analyzed using partial Spearman correlations and linear regression. Results: Correlation analyses indicated that function, but not control, subscale scores on the MSSE Scale correlated with all measures of physical, but not cognitive, function. Linear regression analyses indicated that the function subscale of the MSSE Scale was the only variable that consistently explained variance in physical function outcomes. Conclusions: The findings are novel evidence of the association between self-efficacy for function and physical function outcomes in older adults with MS. Future research on self-efficacy is warranted with the goal of improving physical function in older adults with MS.

scholarly journals Do Communication Patterns Affect the Association between Cognitive Impairment and Hearing Loss among Older Adults in Vietnam?

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1603
Author(s):  
Tran Dai Tri Han ◽  
Keiko Nakamura ◽  
Kaoruko Seino ◽  
Vo Nu Hong Duc ◽  
Thang Van Vo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Communication Devices ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

This study examined the prevalence of cognitive impairment among older adults in central Vietnam and the roles of communication (with or without communication devices) in the association between cognitive impairment and hearing loss. This cross-sectional study was performed on 725 randomly selected community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years from Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. Participants attended a face-to-face survey. Sociodemographic characteristics, social interaction with or without communication devices, health status and cognitive function using the Mini-Mental State Examination were reported. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to quantify the association between hearing loss and cognitive function by frequency of communication with and without devices. Mild and severe cognitive impairment had prevalence rates of 23.6% and 19.3%, respectively. Cognitive impairment was more prevalent among older adults with hearing-loss, vision loss and difficulties with instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The association between hearing loss and cognitive impairment was not significant when older adults had frequent communication with others using devices. This study presented the relatively high prevalence of cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults in Vietnam. Frequent communication using devices attenuated the association between hearing loss and cognitive impairment.

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 ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Optimal Dose ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Trail Making Test ◽  
Global Cognitive Function ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Complex Attention

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.

scholarly journals NEIGHBORHOOD SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AND GRAY MATTER VOLUME IN OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S414-S414
Author(s):  
Sara L Godina ◽  
Caterina Rosano ◽  
Peter J Gianaros ◽  
Howard J Aizenstein ◽  
Michelle C Carlson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Gray Matter ◽  
Gray Matter Volume ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Parahippocampal Gyrus ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Matter Volume

Abstract Lower neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) is associated with poorer cognitive function; underlying neural correlates are unknown. Cross-sectional associations of nSES (six census-derived measures of income, education, and occupation) and gray matter volume (GMV) of eight memory-related regions (hippocampus, middle frontal gyrus, amygdala, insula, parahippocampal gyrus, anterior, middle, and posterior cingulum) were examined in 264 community-dwelling older adults (mean age=83, 56.82% female, 39.02% black). In linear mixed effects models adjusted for total brain atrophy and accounting for geographic clustering, higher nSES was associated with greater GMV of the left hippocampus, left posterior cingulum, and bilateral insula, middle frontal, and parahippocampal gyri. nSES remained associated with GMV of the right insula (β= -32.26, p=0.026, 95%CI: -60.66, -3.86) after adjusting for individual level age, gender, race, income, and education. The nSES and cognitive function association may not be due to gray matter volume differences; other behavioral and biological mediators should be explored.

scholarly journals Association of Gait With Global and Domain-specific Cognitive Function Among Community-dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
WEN HAO ◽  
Wenjing Zhao ◽  
Takashi Kimura ◽  
Shigekazu Ukawa ◽  
Ken Kadoya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Initial Contact ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Global Cognitive Function ◽  
Gait Parameters

Abstract Background: Gait is associated with cognitive function and is a trait marker of dementia; however, research on gait and cognitive function usually concentrates on several individual gait parameters. This study used wearable sensors to measure gait parameters in different aspects and comprehensively explored the association of gait with global cognitive function and domain-specific cognitive function.Methods: The data of this cross-sectional study were obtained from 236 community-dwelling Japanese older adults (125 men and 111 women) aged 70–81 years. Gait was measured by asking participants to walk a 6-meter course and back using the Physilog® sensors (GaiUp®, Switzerland). Global cognitive function and cognitive domains were evaluated by face-to-face interviews using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Twenty gait parameters were summarized as independent gait factors using factor analysis. A generalized linear model and linear regression model were used to explore the relationship of gait with global cognitive function and domain-specific cognitive function adjusted for several confounding factors.Results: Factor analysis yielded four gait factors: general cycle, initial contact, propulsion, and mid-swing. Among them, general cycle factor was significantly associated with global cognitive function (β=-0.565, [-0.967, -0.163]), executive function (P=0.012), and memory (P=0.045); initial contact was associated with executive function (P=0.019).Conclusion: Better gait was related to better cognitive function, especially the general cycle, which was correlated with both global and domain-specific cognitive function. The predictive value should be examined in future cohort studies.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional associations of housework with cognitive, physical and sensorimotor functions in younger and older community-dwelling adults: the Yishun Study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. e052557
Author(s):  
Shuen Yee Lee ◽  
Benedict Wei Jun Pang ◽  
Lay Khoon Lau ◽  
Khalid Abdul Jabbar ◽  
Wei Ting Seah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Attention And Memory ◽  
Recreational Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sit To Stand

ObjectivesRegular moderate-to-vigorous intensity recreational physical activity (PA) improves physical and cognitive functions. However, the age-associated relationships between non-recreational PA and functional ability remain less explored. We examined the associations between housework and functional health among younger and older Singaporean community-dwelling adults.DesignCross-sectional study.Setting and participantsYounger (<65 years, n=249) and older (≥65 years, n=240) community-dwelling adults were randomly recruited from a large residential town in Singapore.Outcome measuresPhysical function was assessed using Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), repeated-chair-sit-to-stand and gait speed. Cognitive and sensorimotor functions were assessed using Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA), respectively.MethodsLight housework (LH) and heavy housework (HH), recreational, and occupational and transport-related PAs were assessed using PA questionnaires. Participants were dichotomised into low-volume and high-volume LH and HH groups. Results were adjusted for level of recreational and other non-recreational PAs.ResultsAmong older but not younger adults, RBANS scores were 8% and 5% higher in high HH and LH groups compared with low HH and LH groups, respectively (p=0.012 and p=0.016). Specifically, HH was associated with 14% higher attention score (p=0.014), and LH was associated with 12% and 8% higher immediate and delayed memory scores, respectively (p<0.001 and p=0.004). In older adults, sit-to-stand time and PPA scores were 8% and 23% lower in the high HH group than the low HH group, respectively (p=0.011 and p=0.040). SPPB and gait speed did not differ with age or HH. LH was not associated with physical or sensorimotor function.ConclusionsAmong older adults, housework is associated with higher cognitive function, specifically in attention and memory. Associations of housework with physical function and sensorimotor performance were intensity dependent. Housework PA is positively associated with functional health among community-dwelling older adults, independent of recreation and other non-recreational PAs. Further longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to establish causality.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Association of Executive Function and Balance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 700-700
Author(s):  
Jennifer Blackwood ◽  
Reza Amini ◽  
Gerry Conti ◽  
Quinn Hanses ◽  
Rebekah Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Clock Drawing Test ◽  
Single Leg Stance ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Declines in Executive Function (EF) are associated with balance in community-dwelling older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). While this has been examined in cross-sectional studies, no longitudinal studies describe change over time. The purpose of this study was to examine how performance on the components of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) are associated with EF in community-dwelling older adults who transition into MCI. This secondary data analysis employed eight years of data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study dataset (2011 – 2018) with 1,225 participants in all eight waves (balanced). EF was measured with the Clock Drawing Test and SPPB balance tests included side-by-side, semi-tandem, full tandem, and single leg stance with eyes open or closed. Longitudinal ordered logistic regression was used to examine associations between each balance measure and EF while controlling for comorbidity, function, depression, gender, age, and ethnicity. EF was significantly associated with tandem, semi-tandem, and single leg stance after controlling for covariates. One point increase in SPPB can reduce the risk of EF impairment by 8.2% (Odds Ratio (OR)=0.918, p&lt;0.001). Among SPPB components, semi-tandem (OR=0.468) and side-by-side (OR=0.472) were the strongest predictors of EF impairment. Declines in both EF and balance performance occurred over an eight-year period in adults. This may reflect common neural processes shared between the cognitive and motor areas of the central nervous system. Best practice suggests screening both balance (tandem, semi-tandem, or single leg stance) and EF in the clinical assessment of community-dwelling older adults.

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