Physical activity is associated with higher cognitive function among adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease

Objective: We evaluated the specific association between physical activity and cognitive function among a national sample of the broader U.S. adult population with a family history of Alzheimer's disease.

Methods: Data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to identify 219 older adults, ages 60-85, with a family history of Alzheimer's disease. The Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) was used to assess cognitive function, with physical activity assessed via a validated questionnaire.

Results: In an unadjusted model, older adults, who had at least one blood relative with Alzheimer's disease, had greater cognitive function when meeting MVPA guidelines in comparison to their inactive counterparts (β=9.6; 95% CI: 4.6-14.7; P=0.001). After adjustments, results were attenuated, but still statistically significant (8.5; 95% CI: 4.0-13.0; P=0.001).

Conclusion: In this national sample of individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, meeting physical activity guidelines was associated with higher cognitive function.