The longitudinal associations between change in physical activity and cognitive functioning in older adults with chronic illness (es)

Abstract

Background Regular physical activity (PA) is potentially beneficial for age-related cognitive decline. Although moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is mostly advised, older adults with chronic illnesses might benefit more from light physical activity (LPA), as they suffer from mobility problems, pain, and fatigue, limiting high-intensity PA. Therefore, the longitudinal association between change in LPA and MVPA and the change in cognitive functioning (CF) is investigated in older adults with chronic illnesses. Methods In total 432 older adults (mean age 73.7 [±6.1] years; 46.8% female) with at least one chronic illness participated in this longitudinal observational study. Longitudinal associations between accelerometer-assessed change in PA (LPA and MVPA) and change in CF, measured with an objective validated neuropsychological test battery, were tested with multivariate linear regressions. Results An increase in LPA between baseline and 6 months follow-up was significantly associated with improved short-term verbal memory and inhibition over the first 6 months. In addition, the change score in LPA over the first 6 months was predictive for the change score in short-term verbal memory over 12 months. Furthermore, an increase in MVPA between baseline and 6 months follow-up was significantly associated with a decrease in longer-term verbal memory scores over the same six-month period. Conclusions For older adults with chronic illnesses who may experience difficulties in being sufficiently active, an increase in LPA is probably more achievable than an increase in MVPA. In addition, an increase in LPA enhances CF more than an increase in MVPA does. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register NL6005; Date of Registration 21-03-2017.

Association between intensity or accumulating pattern of physical activity and executive function in community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study with compositional data analysis

“…To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report a significant association between inhibitory control and device-measured LPA in older adults, with appropriate consideration of the co-dependency of daily time use. Recently, Volders et al ( 2021 ) examined the association between longitudinal changes in PA measured by Actigraph and several cognitive performances in older adults with at least one chronic illness. They found that the change in LPA from baseline to the 6-month follow-up was significantly associated with the change in stop-signal task performance (inhibitory control) over 6 months.…”

Objectively Measured Physical Activity Levels and Associated Factors in Older US Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Study

“…In general, older adults spend more time being sedentary than any other age groups [ 51 ], and our results support that even among older adults, older age is associated with a more sedentary lifestyle [ 52 ]. Prior studies have reported that age-related physiological and functional declines, as well as the prevalence of chronic diseases, may limit one’s ability to participate in MVPA in older age [ 53 , 54 ]. Therefore, it is important to identify the barriers to PA participation (eg, poor health, lack of knowledge, lack of motivation) in older women, particularly those aged 80 years or above, and provide individual-specific MVPA recommendations based on their aerobic capacity.…”