Abstract
Introduction
The current study investigated the association between objectively measured physical activity and cognition in older adults over approximately 8 years.
Methods
We utilized data from 199 cognitively unimpaired individuals from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study, aged ≥60. Actigraphy was used to measure physical activity (intensity, total activity, and energy expenditure) at baseline. Cognition was assessed using a comprehensive cognitive battery every 18-months.
Results
Higher baseline energy expenditure predicted better episodic recall memory and global cognition over the follow-up period (p = 0.031; p = 0.047, respectively). Those with higher physical activity intensity and greater total activity also had better global cognition over time (both p = 0.005). Finally, higher total physical activity predicted improved episodic recall memory over time (p = 0.022).
Discussion
These results suggest that physical activity can preserve cognition and that activity intensity may play an important role in this association.
Highlights
- Greater total physical activity predicts preserved episodic memory and global cognition.
- Moderate intensity physical activity (>3.7 metabolic equivalents of task [MET]) predicts preserved global cognition.
- Expending > 373 kilocalories per day may benefit episodic memory and global cognition.
