Cognitive activity in a sitting position is protectively associated with cognitive impairment among older adults

Abstract

Aim Previous studies have obtained inconsistent results regarding the association between sedentary behavior and cognitive impairment. The present study aimed to examine the association between cognitive activity in a sitting position (CAS) and cognitive impairment among older adults. Methods Community‐dwelling older adults, from Obu or Nagoya in Japan, participated in a survey in 2013. A total of 5300 participants (mean age 75.0 ± 5.1 years; women 52.9%) met the criteria for the present study. We assessed the frequency and variety of CAS composed of six activities, including reading books or newspapers, writing a diary or letters, solving crossword puzzles, playing board games, using a computer and maintaining housekeeping records. The frequency of engagement in CAS was one or more time(s)/week. The variety of CAS was assessed by the number of engagements in CAS. Cognitive impairment was defined by two or more tests at least 1.5 standard deviations below the reference threshold in four neuropsychological tests. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to examine the associations between the frequency and variety of CAS and cognitive impairment, adjusted for covariates. Results The proportion of participants engaging in each CAS varied from 12.3% (playing board games) to 93.6% (reading books or newspaper). After adjustment, five CAS were significantly associated with cognitive impairment (OR 0.33–0.65, all P < 0.001). The variety of CAS was significantly associated with the reduced OR of cognitive impairment (OR 0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.55–0.68). Conclusions Almost every CAS and a greater variety of CAS are associated with cognitive impairment among older people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 98–102.

Association of physical and/or cognitive activity with cognitive impairment in older adults

“…This could be because the study assessed CA only by computer use, which was associated with a highly reduced odds ratio of MCI (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.36-0.71) (21). Our research group has found that CA that occurs in the sitting position, such as reading books and computer use, is protective against cognitive impairment after adjustment for self-reported PA and sitting time (25).…”

Development of a Questionnaire to Evaluate Older Adults’ Total Sedentary Time and Sedentary Time With Cognitive Activity

“…These items were selected based on a review of other questionnaires. [10][11][12][13][14] Items (3) to (6) and (8) for ST with cognitive activity in Table 1 referred to activities with relatively high cognitive demand among 23 everyday activities according to the rankings of cognitive psychologists. 17 In addition to these activities, we added "driving a car," "paid or nonpaid work," and "using a computer or smartphone" to the items on ST with cognitive activity, as those who engage in these activities have high cognitive function.…”

“… 1 Although most research has found that excessive sedentary time (ST) is associated with adverse health outcomes, 2 some cohort studies reported a protective effect of sedentary behavior in specific settings on certain outcomes, especially mental health aspects such as cognitive function. 3 - 7 Recently, it has been suggested that sedentary behavior needs to be classified and reconsidered in detail by type (e.g., computer use [cognitively active] vs. watching TV [passive]). 1 In turn, evaluating not only total sedentary time (ST) but ST in specific settings can help to clarify its influence on older adults’ health.…”

“… 8 , 9 A variety of cognitive activities usually performed in a sitting position were reported to be protective factors for cognitive function. 6 However, these previous studies assessed cognitive activity using a few items or categorical variables of activity frequency; thus, the association between detailed ST with cognitive activity and cognitive function have not been examined. Sedentary older adults who engage in sedentary activities with cognitive activity for long periods may be more likely to retain their cognitive function.…”

Reliability and Validity of the Activity Diversity Questionnaire for Older Adults in Japan

“…The associations between various types of activities and health among older adults have therefore been intensively studied. Studies have shown that leisure-time, productive, social, and intellectual activities have positive effects on physical, mental, and cognitive health as well as life expectancy [3][4][5][6][7][8][9].…”