A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open reveals that there is a weak association between physical activity and better cognition in later life. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Helsinki, aimed to examine how various factors such as length of follow-up, baseline age, amount of physical activity, and study quality influence the longitudinal associations between physical activity and cognition.
The analysis included a total of 104 observational studies, encompassing 341,471 participants. After adjusting for funnel plot asymmetry, the researchers found that physical activity was correlated with a reduced incidence of cognitive impairment or decline, with a pooled risk ratio of 0.97. However, this association did not hold for follow-ups longer than 10 years, indicating that the benefits of physical activity on cognition diminish over time.
Furthermore, physical activity was found to have a positive association with follow-up global cognition and change in global cognition, as determined by standardized regression coefficients of 0.03 and 0.01, respectively, from trim-and-fill analyses. The researchers also observed that physical activity had a small positive impact on episodic memory and verbal fluency, with standardized regression coefficients of 0.03 and 0.05, respectively.
Although the study suggests a weak association between physical activity and cognitive decline, the authors emphasize that even weak associations can have significant implications for population health, especially when physical activity is maintained over a long period of time. They also highlight the absence of a clear dose-response relationship for physical activity and cognition, indicating that the benefits of exercise may not necessarily increase in a linear fashion.
The findings of this review contribute to the growing body of research on the relationship between physical activity and cognition in older adults. While some previous studies have found a stronger association between exercise and cognitive function, this systematic review emphasizes that the link may not be as strong as initially believed.
It is worth noting that several limitations exist within the study. The observational nature of the included studies limits the ability to establish causal relationships. Additionally, there was a considerable variation in study designs and measurements, which may introduce bias and affect the overall findings.
In conclusion, while physical activity is weakly associated with better cognition in late life, the benefits may diminish over time. Nonetheless, incorporating regular physical activity into one’s lifestyle is still essential for overall health and wellbeing. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop effective interventions for maintaining cognitive function in older adults.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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