Global cognition predicts the incidence of poor physical performance among older adults: A cross‐national study

Abstract

Aim The relationship between physical performance and cognition is well established. However, findings on the relationship between global cognition and the incidence of functional disability has been inconsistent. Using data from the International Mobility in Aging Study, we investigated the relationship between baseline cognitive function and the incidence of poor physical performance 2 years later. Methods A total of 1071 community‐dwelling participants (aged 64–75 years) from four sites in Canada and Latin America, with a Short Physical Performance Battery score ≥9 at baseline (good performance) were included. We carried out two sets of analyses, measuring cognition with either the Leganés Cognitive Test or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. We used three logistic regression models, controlling for either no confounders, sociodemographic confounders or sociodemographic and health confounders. The full model was also stratified by site. A score <9 on the Short Physical Performance Battery indicated poor physical performance. Results In the fully adjusted model, each 1‐point increase in the baseline Leganés Cognitive Test score (range 0–32) was associated with a 10% decrease in the odds of incidence of poor physical performance at the 2‐year follow‐up (P = 0.019). Likewise, each 1‐point increase in the baseline Montreal Cognitive Assessment score (range 0–30) was associated with a 16% decrease in the odds of developing poor physical performance (P = 0.005). When stratified by site, the results were significant at the Latin American sites (P = 0.02), but not at the Canadian sites (P = 0.08). Conclusions Poor baseline cognition is associated with the incidence of poor physical performance in community‐dwelling older adults. To prevent physical disability, interventions addressing both cognitive and physical performance are required. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••–••.

Global functionality and associated factors in the older adults followed by Home Care in Primary Health Care

“…In this study, older adults with cognitive decline presented about 1.7 times the probability for those who do not have a cognitive decline to have moderate/severe/total dependence on BADLs, and 2.2 times to have a greater dependence on IADLs, showing the great interference of cognition in the performance of activities. The prevalence ratio was higher in more complex activities (IADL), because, to perform them, there is a requirement for greater cognitive ability, as shown in other studies ( 4 , 43 ) .…”

“…Cognitive decline showed a similar association to other Brazilian studies with older people, in general, which used MMSE ( 3 , 38 ) . A cross-sectional study developed in four places in Canada and Latin America with 1,071 participants living in the community (aged 64-75 years) highlights the need for interventions focused on the cognitive and physical performance of the older adult, to prevent disabilities ( 43 ) . In this study, older adults with cognitive decline presented about 1.7 times the probability for those who do not have a cognitive decline to have moderate/severe/total dependence on BADLs, and 2.2 times to have a greater dependence on IADLs, showing the great interference of cognition in the performance of activities.…”

Intervening factors in the perception of memory decline and life purpose in older adults

“…Cognitive decline is associated with poor physical performance 18 , social isolation 19 , and negative emotional state resulting from increased depressive and anxiety symptoms20. The interaction between these factors can make the elderly more susceptible to difficulties in ADLs 21 , low social involvement 22 , and the perception of loneliness 23 .…”

Together in sickness and in health: Spillover of physical, mental, and cognitive health among older English couples

“…Reciprocal relationships have been documented between cognitive abilities and physical function (Black & Rush, 2002), although cognitive declines appear to precede physical declines (Dansereau et al., 2020; Lee et al., 2005; McGuire et al., 2006; Mehta et al., 2002; Raji et al., 2005; Tolea et al., 2015; Willis et al., 2006; Zahodne et al., 2013) rather than physical decline preceding cognitive decline as shown in some longitudinal studies (Rajan et al., 2013). Multiple theories have been proposed to explain the relationship between cognitive impairment and a decline in physical function, emphasizing the role of physical mobility, chronic inflammation and cognition in the execution of physical tasks (Tabbarah et al., 2002; Tolea et al., 2015).…”