Examining the Association between Life-Space Mobility and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT: Purpose:The purpose of this review is to investigate the relationship between life-space mobility and cognition in older adults. Methods:MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched through December 2018 for studies containing measures of life-space mobility and cognitive function. Two independent reviewers screened studies. Eligible studies were combined using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2. Results:Thirty-five articles were identified for review. A moderate and statistically significant association (pooled r?=?0.30, 95% confidence interval 0.19 to 0.40.) was observed between life-space mobility and cognition among nine studies. Life-space mobility demonstrated small-to-moderate associations with domain-specific cognitive functioning, particularly executive function, learning, memory, and processing speed. Furthermore, individuals who had restricted life-space mobility (Life-Space Assessment???40) experienced a steeper decline in cognition (??=?0.56 and p?=?0.0471) compared to those who did not (Life-Space Assessment???41). Conclusion:This review examined the association between life-space mobility and cognitive function in older adults. The results suggest that a moderate relationship between life-space mobility and cognition exists, whether adjusted or unadjusted for covariates such as sociodemographics, mental health, functional capacity, and comorbidities.

SUBMITTER: De Silva NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6589294 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature