Performance-Based Physical Function and Future Dementia in Older People
April 12, 2011 by Dr. Marc Darrow, M.D.
Filed under Aging
Wang L, Larson EB, MD, Bowen JD, van Belle G Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:1115-1120
From the abstract:
Background: The association of physical function with progression to dementia has not been well investigated. We aimed to determine whether physical function is associated with incident dementia and Alzheimer disease (AD).
Methods We performed a prospective cohort study of 2288 persons 65 years and older without dementia. Patients were enrolled from 1994 to 1996 and followed up through October 2003. Main outcome measures included incident dementia and AD.
Conclusions: Lower levels of physical performance were associated with an increased risk of dementia and AD. The study suggests that poor physical function may precede the onset of dementia and AD and higher levels of physical function may be associated with a delayed onset.
