Physical function characteristics among older adults at high risk of developing cognitive decline

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundPhysical function profiles of older adults (≥ 60years) cognitively unimpaired but at high risk of dementia (CAIDE dementia risk score ≥6) have not been well described. The CAIDE index evaluates both modifiable, cardiovascular (CVRF), and non‐modifiable risk factors such as age, sex and educational level. The association of these factors with physical function has not been thoroughly studied.MethodWe present preliminary cross‐sectional data from the first 2 (out of 4) recruitment waves of the CITA Go‐On study, a FINGER‐like multimodal intervention prevention trial. Inclusion criteria were based on age (≥60 and ≤85) and CAIDE score (≥6). Participants were categorized according to their cognitive status. Physical function assessment included gait speed, handgrip strength and maximum leg strength measured as 1 repetition maximum (1RM). We explored physical function by CAIDE scale, regarding hypertension (i.e. systolic >140mmHg or diastolic >90mmHg), hypercholesterolemia (i.e >250 mg/dL) and body mass index (BMI) as modifiable risk factors, and accounting for age, sex and educational level as non‐modifiable ones. Analysis was performed with SPSS v.29.ResultSample of 380 subjects aged 68.4 ± 5.6 years (mean, SD), 50% women, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) mean of 28.4 ±1.7 and CAIDE index mean was 7.4 ± 1.3. Of these, 91.6% were cognitively preserved, 5.5% had subjective complaints and 2.9% mild cognitive impairment. Dyslipidemia was present in 23.4%, hypertension in 46.9% and 63.1% showed BMI of overweight or obese. Univariate regression analysis showed that CAIDE index was significantly associated to maximum leg strength (1RM) (η2 = 0.05, p = 0.008), after adjusting for non‐modifiable risk factors (age η2 = 0.054, p = 0.001; sex η2 = 0.453, p = 0.001; and educational level η2 = 0.003, p = 0.333) and BMI (η2 = 0.156, p = 0.001). Handgrip strength and gait speed were not explained by modifiable factors in our sample (p = 0.12 and p = 0.53).ConclusionPhysical function as measured by maximum leg strength is associated with CAIDE dementia risk index, and most significantly with sex and BMI component, with age displaying a moderate effect. Together with vascular risk factor control, interventions on physical function are important for prevention.