Directionality between cognitive function and daily physical activity patterns

Abstract INTRODUCTION Physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for dementia, but cognitive function is also important for physical activity engagement. This study evaluated the directionality of associations between daily physical activity and cognitive function in a sample of cognitively and p...

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Main Authors: Francesca R. Marino, Jennifer A. Deal, Alden L. Gross, Yang An, Qu Tian, Eleanor M. Simonsick, Luigi Ferrucci, Susan M. Resnick, Jennifer A. Schrack, Amal A. Wanigatunga
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-04-01
Series:Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/trc2.70068
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author Francesca R. Marino
Jennifer A. Deal
Alden L. Gross
Yang An
Qu Tian
Eleanor M. Simonsick
Luigi Ferrucci
Susan M. Resnick
Jennifer A. Schrack
Amal A. Wanigatunga
author_facet Francesca R. Marino
Jennifer A. Deal
Alden L. Gross
Yang An
Qu Tian
Eleanor M. Simonsick
Luigi Ferrucci
Susan M. Resnick
Jennifer A. Schrack
Amal A. Wanigatunga
author_sort Francesca R. Marino
collection DOAJ
description Abstract INTRODUCTION Physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for dementia, but cognitive function is also important for physical activity engagement. This study evaluated the directionality of associations between daily physical activity and cognitive function in a sample of cognitively and physically intact older adults. METHODS Cognitive factor scores for domains including global cognition, memory, language, executive function/attention, and visuospatial processing, and physical activity patterns from wrist accelerometry were measured at two visits (mean: 1.8 years) among 237 cognitively intact older adults in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) (mean age: 76.5 years). Bivariate latent change score models estimated directionality of associations between changes in cognitive factor scores and physical activity patterns. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, education, comorbidities, and body mass index. RESULTS Higher total amount of activity, longer activity bouts, less sedentary time, and less activity fragmentation at baseline were associated with less annual cognitive decline across multiple cognitive domains (X2 > 4.11, 1 df for all). In contrast, baseline cognitive factor scores were not associated with changes in any activity pattern (X2 < 3.20, 1 df for all). DISCUSSION Increasing movement and/or decreasing sedentary behavior is associated with less prospective cognitive decline. Targeting reductions in sedentary time and lengthening activity bouts may slow cognitive decline among older adults at risk for dementia. Highlights Greater activity engagement is related to less annual cognitive decline. Baseline cognition is not associated with short‐term changes in activity patterns. Promoting daily movement and lowering sedentary time may have cognitive benefits.
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spelling doaj-art-b6cec97617d6427cbf4d120b33299d912025-08-20T03:30:02ZengWileyAlzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions2352-87372025-04-01112n/an/a10.1002/trc2.70068Directionality between cognitive function and daily physical activity patternsFrancesca R. Marino0Jennifer A. Deal1Alden L. Gross2Yang An3Qu Tian4Eleanor M. Simonsick5Luigi Ferrucci6Susan M. Resnick7Jennifer A. Schrack8Amal A. Wanigatunga9Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Boston Massachusetts USADepartment of Epidemiology Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore Maryland USADepartment of Epidemiology Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore Maryland USAIntramural Research Program National Institute on Aging Baltimore Maryland USAIntramural Research Program National Institute on Aging Baltimore Maryland USAIntramural Research Program National Institute on Aging Baltimore Maryland USAIntramural Research Program National Institute on Aging Baltimore Maryland USAIntramural Research Program National Institute on Aging Baltimore Maryland USADepartment of Epidemiology Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore Maryland USADepartment of Epidemiology Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore Maryland USAAbstract INTRODUCTION Physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for dementia, but cognitive function is also important for physical activity engagement. This study evaluated the directionality of associations between daily physical activity and cognitive function in a sample of cognitively and physically intact older adults. METHODS Cognitive factor scores for domains including global cognition, memory, language, executive function/attention, and visuospatial processing, and physical activity patterns from wrist accelerometry were measured at two visits (mean: 1.8 years) among 237 cognitively intact older adults in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) (mean age: 76.5 years). Bivariate latent change score models estimated directionality of associations between changes in cognitive factor scores and physical activity patterns. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, education, comorbidities, and body mass index. RESULTS Higher total amount of activity, longer activity bouts, less sedentary time, and less activity fragmentation at baseline were associated with less annual cognitive decline across multiple cognitive domains (X2 > 4.11, 1 df for all). In contrast, baseline cognitive factor scores were not associated with changes in any activity pattern (X2 < 3.20, 1 df for all). DISCUSSION Increasing movement and/or decreasing sedentary behavior is associated with less prospective cognitive decline. Targeting reductions in sedentary time and lengthening activity bouts may slow cognitive decline among older adults at risk for dementia. Highlights Greater activity engagement is related to less annual cognitive decline. Baseline cognition is not associated with short‐term changes in activity patterns. Promoting daily movement and lowering sedentary time may have cognitive benefits.https://doi.org/10.1002/trc2.70068accelerometrycognitive declinedementiaphysical activityprevention
spellingShingle Francesca R. Marino
Jennifer A. Deal
Alden L. Gross
Yang An
Qu Tian
Eleanor M. Simonsick
Luigi Ferrucci
Susan M. Resnick
Jennifer A. Schrack
Amal A. Wanigatunga
Directionality between cognitive function and daily physical activity patterns
Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions
accelerometry
cognitive decline
dementia
physical activity
prevention
title Directionality between cognitive function and daily physical activity patterns
title_full Directionality between cognitive function and daily physical activity patterns
title_fullStr Directionality between cognitive function and daily physical activity patterns
title_full_unstemmed Directionality between cognitive function and daily physical activity patterns
title_short Directionality between cognitive function and daily physical activity patterns
title_sort directionality between cognitive function and daily physical activity patterns
topic accelerometry
cognitive decline
dementia
physical activity
prevention
url https://doi.org/10.1002/trc2.70068
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