Multiple Health Characteristics on Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Abstract

Individual health characteristics, namely, physical activity, smoking, and weight status, have a positive effect on cognitive function, especially during the aging process. However, fewer studies have evaluated the combined associations of these health characteristics on cognitive function among older adults, which was this study's purpose. Data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used (N = 2,370 adults 60+ years). Clinical measures were assessed using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), self-reported physical activity, and smoking status. Weight status was evaluated based on measured body mass index. Being a non-smoker [β = 2.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.03-4.92; P = 0.05] and meeting the physical activity guidelines (β = 5.73; 95% CI: 4.34-7.12; P < 0.001) were independently associated with DSST. There was also an evidence of an additive association of these three health characteristics on cognitive function. The highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [area under the curve (AUC)] was observed among those who met physical activity guidelines (AUC = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.57-0.61) compared to smoking status (receiver operator characteristic = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.49-0.52) or weight status (AUC = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.47-0.51). Weight status and smoking are independently associated with cognitive function, and individuals with all three evaluated health characteristics (non-smoking, normal weight, and active) had the highest cognitive function. ARTICLE HISTORY

Association between change in lifestyle and cognitive functions among elderly Koreans: findings from the Korean longitudinal study of aging (2006–2016)

“…Previous studies have also found a relationship between multiple health-behavior factors and cognitive functions [14][15][16]. One cross-sectional study examined smoking, body weight, and exercise among US individuals aged 60 years or older, and found that cognitive function was the highest among those with all of the following factors: nonsmoking, normal body weight, and sufficient exercise [14]. In particular, cognitive function was statistically significantly higher in those who engaged in sufficient amount of exercise.…”

“…Therefore, many researchers have explored the relationship between lifestyle changes and cognitive function. For instance, lifestyle factors such as sleep, smoking, alcohol drinking, body weight, nutrition status, and exercise all influence cognitive function or dementia [10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. Smoking, alcohol drinking, unhealthy body weight, and physical inactivity are also predictive factors of healthy aging among the elderly [10][11][12], and are highly likely to co-occur within an individual [13].…”