Physical fitness and cognitive performance in non‐demented elderly subjects

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundPoor physical fitness is a well‐known risk factor for cognitive impairment. Physical fitness is closely correlated with age and physical morbidity. We studied, whether the correlation between poor physical fitness and cognitive impairment can be ascertained when these variables are controlled.MethodThe data of 135 non‐demented participants of a dementia prevention program, who were aged between 50 and 60 years, were evaluated (mean age: 55.3 years). Physical fitness was examined using the Step Test (ST) for cardiorespiratory fitness and the Chair Stand Test (CST) for motor fitness. We compared subjective memory disorders, cognitive blackouts (checklist for cognitive blackouts, CKB) and objective cognitive performance between people with low and normal physical fitness.ResultThe participants with low cardiorespiratory fitness (ST) were more concerned with their memory and they reported cognitive blackouts more frequently. They also had a lower orientation score and a lower MMSE score. The participants with low motor fitness (CST) also reported memory loss and cognitive blackouts more frequently and had lower scores in orientation, language, praxia as well as in higher cortical functions. Lower cardiorespiratory fitness was found more frequently in men and in participants with a history of high blood pressure. The participants with lower motor fitness had a higher BMI and a larger hip size.ConclusionPoor physical fitness is correlated with subjective memory disorders and cognitive blackouts as well as with minor objective cognitive impairments, even when controlling for age and physical morbidity.