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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2020 Jan;24(1):129-136.
doi: 10.1080/13607863.2018.1531377. Epub 2019 Jan 22.

The association of a novel cognitive frailty index and physical functioning in older at-risk adults

Nicole M Armstrong  1 , Ryan Andrews  2   3 , Alden L Gross  2   4   5 , Vijay R Varma  1 , Qian-Li Xue  3   4   5   6 , Michelle C Carlson  3   4   5
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

The association of a novel cognitive frailty index and physical functioning in older at-risk adults

Nicole M Armstrong et al. Aging Ment Health. 2020 Jan.

Abstract

Objectives: Cognitive frailty is a state at the lower end of the continuum of cognitive resilience in which one is at elevated risk for cognitive impairment and dementia. Metrics of a newly developed Cognitive Frailty Index (CFI) were examined for their association with objective functional limitations.Methods: We used baseline data from 607 participants from the Baltimore Experience Corps Trial with measures on the CFI, a computerized Stroop test, and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score ≤9. Multivariable log-binomial regression models were used to evaluate the associations of CFI metrics (mean reaction time (RT) for total, first-half and second-half trials per condition) with the SPPB. Latent growth models were used to create additional CFI metrics of initial level (intercept) and change (slope) in RT across accurate trials by easy (Color-X) and difficult (Color-Word) conditions. Models were adjusted for race, sex, age, income, major morbidities, depressive symptoms, self-reported health, and Stroop interference (for Color-Word condition only).Results: All CFI RT metrics were associated with SPPB <9, yet latent growth model approaches were most informative. Initial levels of performance on easy (Risk Ratio, [RR] = 1.24; 95% Confidence Interval, [CI]: 1.03, 1.49) and difficult conditions (RR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.41), not rates of learning (slope) (RR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.81, 1.45 and RR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.27 respectively), were associated with worse physical functioning.Conclusions: The association between the CFI and physical functioning demonstrates the interplay of cognitive frailty and worse objective mobility within a sociodemographic at-risk sample.

Keywords: Cognitive frailty; Short Physical Performance Battery; Stroop test; gait speed; mobility.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: None of the authors have a conflict of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Fit of trial-to-trail change in reaction time by condition of the Cognitive Frailty Index 245 × 163 mm (96 × 96 DPI)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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