Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Objective
Higher levels of physical activity (PA) reduce the risk of cognitive impairment, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Using longitudinal data from the Cardiovascular Health Study, we examined whether PA predicted plasma Aβ levels and risk for cognitive decline 9-13 years later.Methods
Linear and logistic regressions (controlling for APOE status, age, gender, body mass index, cardiovascular disease, brain white matter lesions, and cystatin C levels) tested associations between PA, Aβ, and cognitive impairment in a sample of 149 cognitively normal older adults (mean age 83 years).Results
More PA at baseline predicted lower levels of Aβ 9-13 years later. Higher Aβ levels at year 9 predicted greater risk for cognitive impairment at year 13. Levels of Aβ at year 9 mediated the relationship between PA and cognitive impairment.Interpretation
Greater PA may reduce plasma levels of a neurotoxic peptide at an age when the risk for cognitive impairment is especially high.
SUBMITTER: Stillman CM
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5420805 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

Stillman Chelsea M CM Lopez Oscar L OL Becker James T JT Kuller Lewis H LH Mehta Pankaj D PD Tracy Russell P RP Erickson Kirk I KI
Annals of clinical and translational neurology 20170414 5
<h4>Objective</h4>Higher levels of physical activity (PA) reduce the risk of cognitive impairment, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Using longitudinal data from the Cardiovascular Health Study, we examined whether PA predicted plasma A<i>β</i> levels and risk for cognitive decline 9-13 years later.<h4>Methods</h4>Linear and logistic regressions (controlling for APOE status, age, gender, body mass index, cardiovascular disease, brain white matter lesions, and cystatin C levels) tested a ...[more]