Physical Inactivity is Liable to the Increased Cardiovascular Risk and Impaired Cognitive Profile

Abstract

Background: Sedentary life-style is a significant public health issue. It increases the incidence of type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), which in turn may impair physical and mental health. In fact, disrupted glucose metabolism is characteristic of Alzheimer's dementia, and it is often dubbed as type-3 diabetes.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the level of activity, body composition, cardiovascular risk and cognitive profile of patients with DM2 and/or SAH. The study was cross-sectional design.

Method: The sample consisted of 120 individuals which 35% men and 65% women, with an average of 64±9 years old and 60±11 years old, respectively. Various parameters were evaluated such as anthropometric variables, pedometer recordings and brief cognitive screening battery (BCSB), which assesses the immediate memory, verbal fluency, learning, late memory and recognition. Chi-square and Fisher's exact test were applied to observe possible differences between men and women. In addition to Kruskall-Wallis, in the comparison between patients with SAH; DM2 and SAH + DM2.

Results: A high rate of physical inactivity was found among those enrolled in this project. Females were characterized by increased body fat, whereas men displayed visceral fat excess. BCSB demonstrated reduced verbal fluency, late memory and recognition, with women presenting significantly worse results.

Conclusion: Low level of daily physical activity is apparently correlated with obesity, elevated cardiovascular risk, and cognitive dysfunction.

Keywords: Brief cognitive screening battery (BCSB); cognition; diabetes; hypertension; inactivity; memory; physical activity; sedentary life-style..