Purpose: Regular physical activity is recognized by the World Health Organization as a key factor in maintaining health and preventing disease. However, cognitive decline in dementia may limit participation in exercise, potentially worsening overall health. This study examined the interaction between cognitive impairment and physical activity on health status among older adults.

Methods: Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2011–2014). Participants aged 60 years and older were classified into four groups: (a) MI(-)exercise(+), (b) MI(+)exercise(-), (c) MI(-)exercise(-), and (d) MI(+)exercise(+). Health status was categorized as (a) excellent/very good/good or (b) fair/poor. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted using SAS version 9.4.

Results: Among 2,959 participants, 25.5% were MI(-)exercise(+), 28.5% MI(+)exercise(-), 30.3% MI(-)exercise(-), and 15.8% MI(+)exercise(+). Those with cognitive impairment and no exercise had the highest odds of poor health (OR=3.06), followed by MI(-)exercise(-) (OR=2.30) and MI(+)exercise(+) (OR=1.44), compared with the reference group MI(-)exercise(+). Several covariates were also significantly associated with health status, including race, education level, family income, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke.

Conclusions: Older adults with cognitive impairment who engaged in physical activity showed better health outcomes than inactive counterparts. Promoting regular exercise among cognitively impaired individuals may enhance their overall health and quality of life.

Authors:
Ying-Jhen Wu, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Taiwan
Hsin-ling Chung, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Taiwan
Pei-ci Lin, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Taiwan
Hsin-yi Huang, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Taiwan
Chia-yu Kuo, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Taiwan
Ting-yi Wu, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
YING-JHEN WU is a staff member at the Center of Teaching and Research, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Taiwan. She is currently involved in projects related to community-based dementia prevention and long-term care services.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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