Gender differences in the association between physical activity and cognitive subdomains among elders with type 2 diabetes and mild cognitive impairment: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the gender differences in the correlation between physical activity (PA) and cognitive subdomains in elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: The research was carried out in communities located in Fuzhou, Fujian Province and Beijing Municipality.

Participants: Community-dwelling elders with T2D and MCI aged 60 years or older were eligible for this study.

Primary outcome measures and analyses: The weekly PA score was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The cognitive subdomains were evaluated through a battery of cognitive assessments, including the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Trail Making Test Part B, Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and the Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT). Multiple linear regression models were employed to examine the association between PA and cognitive subdomains in both male and female individuals.

Results: In older men, higher total IPAQ score was positively correlated with higher RAVLT (P=0.011) and SCWT (P=0.049). There was a significant interaction between the total PA score and gender in relation to RAVLT (P=0.008) and SCWT (P=0.027). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between moderate-vigorous PA level and RAVLT in older men (P=0.007). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between moderate-vigorous PA level and DSST in older women (P=0.038).

Conclusion: In older individuals with T2D and MCI, the association between PA and cognitive subdomains differs between men and women. This discrepancy may impact the customisation of exercise recommendations.

Keywords: Aging; Dementia; Diabetes & endocrinology; General diabetes; Rehabilitation medicine.