Physical fitness and dementia risk in the very old: a study of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1921.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that individual measures of fitness - such as reduced pulmonary function, slow walking speed and weak handgrip - are associated with an increased risk of dementia. Only a minority of participants included in these studies were aged over 80. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the association between physical fitness and dementia in the oldest old.

Methods

Subjects (n = 488) were enrolled in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1921 and aged 79 at baseline. Dementia cases arising after enrolment were determined using data from death certificates, electronic patient records and clinical reviews. Fitness measures included grip strength, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) and walking speed over 6 m, measured at 79 y

SUBMITTER: Sibbett RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6123983 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature