Analysis of Telomere Length and Its Implication in Neurocognitive Functions in Elderly Women

Abstract

During the normal aging process, a series of events occur, such as a decrease in telomere length and a decrease in various cognitive functions, such as attention, memory, or perceptual-motor speed. Several studies have attempted to establish a correlation between both variables; however, there is considerable controversy in the scientific literature. The aim of our study was to establish a correlation between the scores obtained in the following different cognitive tests: the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Benton Visual Retention Test, the Trail Making Test, the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, the Stroop Test, and the measurement of telomere length. The sample consisted of a total of 41 physically active, healthy women, with a mean age of 71.21 (±4.32) and of 33 physically inactive, healthy women, with a mean age of 72.70 (±4.13). Our results indicate that there is no correlation between the scores obtained by the women in either group and their telomere length. Therefore, it is not possible to conclude that telomere length can be correlated with cognitive performance.

Causal Relationships between Daily Physical Activity, Physical Function, and Cognitive Function Ultimately Leading to Happiness

“…Meanwhile, an 18-month exercise intervention did not show any cognitive improvement in healthy older adults [ 12 ]. Comparing the effects of physical exercise in originally active and inactive older adults, the intervention was not effective on cognitive performance in both groups [ 13 ]. In addition, exercise training in patients with dementia did not improve their cognitive function [ 14 ].…”

Evolución del estado muscular y grado de sarcopenia tras un programa de entrenamiento de potencia en mujeres mayores con presarcopenia

“…El proyecto permite a estas personas socializar, y es especialmente beneficioso para aquellos que se encuentran más solos. Además, el programa ha demostrado su efectividad en el ámbito académico, ya que el proyecto cuenta con numerosas publicaciones en artículos científicos, tesis doctorales, TFMs y TFGs (194)(195)(196).…”