High Physical Fitness Associated with Better Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Dementia

Strategic Insights -

Research published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity has investigated the association between cognitive function and physical fitness in institutionalized older adults with dementia. According to the study, a higher level of physical fitness was associated with better cognitive function in this population. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Porto, Portugal, found that cognitive function and physical fitness were correlated, suggesting that improving physical fitness may help slow cognitive decline in older adults with dementia. The study's significance lies in its implications for the prevention and treatment of dementia, highlighting the importance of physical activity in maintaining cognitive health.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study investigated the association between cognitive function and physical fitness in 75 institutionalized older adults with dementia.
  • Higher levels of physical fitness were associated with better cognitive function, as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
  • The study found that education level and years of education were also associated with a higher likelihood of having high MoCA scores.
  • Physical fitness was associated with better cognitive function independently of age, medication use, and clinical conditions.
  • The study's findings suggest that improving physical fitness may help slow cognitive decline in older adults with dementia.
  • The study's authors emphasize the need for longitudinal and experimental studies to confirm the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive decline.
  • The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Porto, Portugal, and was published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity.
  • The study's results have implications for the prevention and treatment of dementia, highlighting the importance of physical activity in maintaining cognitive health.

Statistics:

  • 75 institutionalized older adults with dementia participated in the study.
  • 76% of the participants were women, and the average age was 78.00 years (± 8.13 years).
  • The study found a significant association between physical fitness and cognitive function (p = .0003).
  • The study found a significant association between education level and higher MoCA scores (p = .016).
  • The study's authors emphasized the need for longitudinal and experimental studies to confirm the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive decline.

Sources:

  • "High Physical Fitness Is Associated With Better Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Study" (Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2025)
  • University of Porto, Porto, Portugal (Faculty of Sports)
  • Lucimere Bohn, Edmar Mendes, and Leonor Miranda (authors of the study)
  • Human Kinetics Publ Inc, 1607 N Market St, PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61820-2200, USA (publisher of the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity)
  • Catia Silva (researcher at the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal)