Cognition, nutrition and physical function in obese older women (124.7)

Abstract

Obese older women are at increased risk of chronic diseases that lifestyle modifications can attenuate. Combined nutrition and physical activity interventions can improve dietary quality and physical function and reduce chronic disease risk, but how cognitive function is associated with these outcomes is unknown. Twenty‐six obese older women (65.3±8.1 years and BMI 38.0 ± 4.6 kg/m2) completed a 12‐week quasi‐experimental community‐based intervention, with a behaviorally‐based modified Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet, Tai Chi (TC) and resistance training (RT). Seventeen women were in the diet, TC+RT intervention group (EXD) and 9 were in the waiting control group (CON). Cognitive score was assessed via the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Mean baseline RBANS score was 88.1 ± 19.9. The dietary screening tool (DST) was used to assess dietary quality, mean baseline score was 62.3 ± 11.1, which equates to at possible nutrition risk. The short physical performance battery (SPPB) was used to assess physical function; mean baseline score was 8.5±2.6. Baseline RBANS were positively associated with baseline (r=0.39, p=0.03) and post‐intervention SPPB scores (r=0.40, p=0.05) of all participants. Cognitive status is associated with physical function and future research should consider cognitive levels to create appropriate interventions in the community.Grant Funding Source: College of Environment and Life Sciences Community Access to Research and Extension Services (CELS C