The burden of mild cognitive impairment attributable to physical inactivity in Colombia

Abstract

Background Mild cognitive impairment often precedes dementia. The purpose of this analysis was to estimate the population attributable fraction for physical activity in Colombia, which is the reduction in cases that would occur if all participants were physically active. Methods The sample included 20,174 men and women aged 70.04 ± 7.68 years (mean ± SD) from the National Survey of Health, Wellbeing and Ageing. Trained interviewers administered a shorter version of the mini-mental state examination and mild cognitive impairment was defined as a score of 12 or less out of 19. Logistic regression models were fitted and population attributable fractions for physical activity were calculated. All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, height, education, income, civil status, smoking, and alcohol drinking. Results The prevalence of physical activity was approximately 50% when defined as walking between 9 and 20 blocks at least three times per week. Theoretically, 19% of cases of mild cognitive impairment would be eliminated if all adults were to walk (95% confidence interval: 16%, 22%). The prevalence was approximately 20% when defined as taking part in vigorous sport or exercise at least three times per week. Theoretically, 23% of cases of mild cognitive impairment would be eliminated if all adults were to take part in vigorous sport or exercise (16%, 30%). Similar results were observed after removing those who reported mental health problems. Conclusion Physical activity, whether walking or vigorous sport and exercise, has the potential to substantially reduce the burden of mild cognitive impairment in Colombia.

The 2022 symposium on dementia and brain aging in low‐ and middle‐income countries: Highlights on research, diagnosis, care, and impact

“…Furthermore, significant regional differences show more older people in Jakarta engage in physical activity than in poorer regions such as Borobudur 32 . Research in Colombia has also shown that physical activity may substantially reduce the risk of MCI 53 . Public health strategies and interventions for enhancing overall health and reducing dementia risk in LMICs that focus on promoting physical activity may be best done via community centers in groups to ensure uptake and adherence 32 …”

Effects of High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) on the Functional Capacity, Frailty, and Physical Condition of Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

“…It has been estimated that approximately 8% of dementia cases could be prevented if all adults were physically active [ 7 ]; for this reason, programs that aim to increase physical activity levels could be a potential strategy to substantially reduce the burden of mild cognitive impairment and consequent dementia [ 7 ]. It is expected that in Colombia, about 23% of patients with mild cognitive impairment would be prevented if older adults perform vigorous physical exercise [ 8 ]. Additionally, physical exercise can preserve the ability to perform activities of daily living and functional skills in older adults [ 9 , 10 ].…”