Association Between Physical Performance and Cognitive Function in Older Adults Across Multiple Studies: A Pooled Analysis Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: While several studies have examined the association between cognitive and physical function, the consistency of these associations across functional contexts is unclear. The consistency of the association between cognitive and physical function performance was examined at baseline across 17 clinical studies with diverse and heterogeneous conditions such as overweight/obese, sedentary, at risk for a mobility disability, osteoarthritis, low vitamin D, or had signs of cognitive impairment. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Data are from 1,388 adults 50 years and older who completed a cognitive and physical function assessment as part of a research study at the Wake Forest Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center or the Wake Forest Older Americans Independence Center. Linear regression models were used to relate cognitive measures (Mini-Mental Status Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and the Digit Symbol Substitution Task) and physical measures (the Short Physical Performance Battery and hand grip strength) for the whole sample and treat each study as a fixed effect. All models controlled for age, sex, race, and body mass index. RESULTS: Overall, there was a significant association between higher scores on the Mini-Mental Status Examination (per standard deviation) and better physical function performance (Short Physical Performance Battery score b = 0.24, p < .001) and its components (gait speed, chair rise, and standing balance; ps < .05). Higher scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment produced similar results (Short Physical Performance Battery score b = 0.31, p ≤ .001), and higher scores on the Digit Symbol Substitution Task were also significantly associated with a better Short Physical Performance Battery score (b = 0.75, p < .001). The relationship between Digit Symbol Substitution Task and physical function performance demonstrated a stronger magnitude of association compared to the Mini-Mental Status Examination or Montreal Cognitive Assessment. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Older adults with heterogeneous health conditions showed a consistent pattern between better cognitive function and better physical function performance with the strongest association among Digit Symbol Substitution Task scores.