To examine the association between self-reported physical exercise and cognitive function.
Design:
Secondary data analysis of a prospective cohort study.
Participants:
Community-dwelling older adults with normal cognitive function at baseline.
Measurements:
Data on self-reported physical exercise, immediate and delayed recall, clock drawing test, and orientation to time and current events were collected at baseline and annual follow-up visits. Generalized estimation equation method was used to determine the association between physical exercise and decline in cognitive function.
Results:
A total of 4,227 participants were included in the analysis, 58% women, 78% White, mean (SD) age 75.7 (7.1) years. The risk of cognitive decline was lower among those who reported moderate-to-high intensity exercise (odds ratio [OR] confidence interval [CI] = 0.45 [0.20, 0.69]; p < .001) and low-intensity exercise (OR [CI] = 0.62 [0.44, 0.83]).
Conclusion:
These results reaffirm the positive impact of physical exercise in maintaining cognitive function among older adults.
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