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. 2013 Jul;56(5):329-41.
doi: 10.1016/j.rehab.2013.02.005. Epub 2013 Mar 26.

Dimensions of physical frailty and cognitive function in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment

E L McGough  1 , B B Cochrane, K C Pike, R G Logsdon, S M McCurry, L Teri
Affiliations

Dimensions of physical frailty and cognitive function in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment

E L McGough et al. Ann Phys Rehabil Med. 2013 Jul.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine relationships between dimensions of physical frailty and severity of cognitive impairment in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).

Patients and methods: The prevalence of physical frailty dimensions including slow gait speed, low physical activity, and low grip strength was examined among 201 sedentary older adults with aMCI. Associations between dimensions of physical frailty and severity of cognitive impairment, as measured with the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) and individual dimensions of cognitive function were examined using multiple linear regression models.

Results: Greater than 50% of participants met physical frailty criteria on dimensions of slow gait speed, low physical activity and low grip strength. Slower gait speed was associated with elevated severity of cognitive impairment. Both gait speed and physical activity were associated with individual dimensions cognitive function.

Conclusions: Dimensions of physical frailty, particularly gait speed, were associated with severity of cognitive impairment, after adjusting for age, sex and age-related factors. Further studies are needed to investigate mechanisms and early intervention strategies that assist older adults with aMCI to maintain function and independence.

Keywords: Cognitive impairment; Fragilité; Gait speed; Handicap cognitif modéré; Mild cognitive impairment; Physical frailty; Troubles cognitifs; Vitesse de marche.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest concerning this article.

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