Seongryu Bae

Impact of Cognitive Frailty on Daily Activities in Older Persons.

ObjectivesTo identify the relationships between physical and/or cognitive frailty and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) functioning in community living older persons.DesignCross sectional observation study.SettingData extracted from the 2011–2013 of the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology–Study of Geriatric Syndromes (NCGG-SGS) database.ParticipantsA total of 8,864 older adults aged ≥ 65 years who were enrolled in the NCGG-SGS.MeasurementsWe characterized physical frailty as limitations in three or more of the following five domains: slow walking speed, muscle weakness, exhaustion, low activity and weight loss. To screen for cognitive impairment, we used the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool (NCGG-FAT) which included tests of word list memory, attention and executive function (tablet version of the Trail Making Test, part A and B), and processing speed (tablet version of the Digit Symbol Substitution Test). Two or more cognitive impairments indicated by an ageadjusted score of at least 1.5 standard deviations below the reference threshold was characterized as cognitive impairment. Each participant reported on their IADL status (use of public transportation, shopping, management of finances, and housekeeping) and several potential confounders such as demographic characteristics.ResultsThe overall prevalence of physical frailty, cognitive impairment, and cognitive frailty, i.e. co-occurrence of frailty and cognitive impairment, was 7.2%, 5.2%, and 1.2%, respectively. We found significant relationships between IADL limitations and physical frailty (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.24, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.01 to 1.52), cognitive impairment (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.11), and cognitive frailty (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.74 to 3.97).ConclusionUsing the NCGG-SGS frailty criteria, we found more participants with physical frailty than with cognitive frailty. The individuals with cognitive frailty had the highest risks of IADL limitations. Future investigation is necessary to determine whether this population is at increased risk for incidence of disability or mortality.

Driving continuity in cognitively impaired older drivers

Cognitive impairment can negatively affect driving performance and increase the risk of driving errors, leading to vehicle crashes. We used a population‐based survey to identify the prevalence of cognitive impairments in older drivers.

Cognitive functioning and walking speed in older adults as predictors of limitations in self-reported instrumental activity of daily living: prospective findings from the Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly.

Our aim was to determine whether baseline measures of cognitive functioning, walking speed, and depressive status are independent predictors of limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in older adults. The cross-sectional study involved 1329 community-dwelling adults, aged 75 years or older. At baseline, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Symbol Digit Substitution Test (SDST), Geriatric Depressive Scale (GDS), and a word list memory task were completed, and self-reported IADLs and walking speed were recorded. The longitudinal study involved 948 participants without baseline IADL limitation, which was assessed at baseline and 15-month follow up, using the three Kihon Checklist subitems. In cross-sectional analyses, participants with IADL limitation demonstrated greater GDS scores, slower walking speeds, and lower MMSE, word list memory task, and SDST (only for women) scores relative to those without IADL limitation. In the longitudinal analyses, baseline walking speed (men: OR 0.98; women: OR 0.97, p < 0.05) and word list memory task scores (men: OR 0.84; women: OR 0.83, p < 0.05) in both sexes and SDST scores in women (OR 0.96, p = 0.04) were independent predictors of subsequent IADL limitation. Walking speed, memory, and processing speed may be independent predictors of IADL limitation in older adults.

Age‐dependent changes in physical performance and body composition in community‐dwelling Japanese older adults

The aim of this study was to describe the age‐dependent changes in the parameters of physical performance and body composition in Japanese older adults who are independently dwelling in the community. We also examined whether the age‐dependent changes differ among physical performance and body composition parameters.

Psychological predictors of participation in screening for cognitive impairment among community-dwelling older adults

Detecting cognitive impairment in the earlier stages is important for preventing or delaying dementia. To develop intervention strategies that promote screening for cognitive impairment, it is essential to identify the modifiable predictors for participation in screening. The present study examined whether participation in screening for cognitive impairment was predicted by the constructs of the health belief model, dementia worry and behavioral intentions to undergo screening among older adults.

Objectively-measured outdoor time and physical and psychological function among older adults.

Objective measurements of outdoor time are essential to establishing evidence about the health benefits of going outdoors among older adults. To better understanding the health benefits of going outdoors, clarification of potential mediators to connect going outdoors with health benefits is necessary. The present study aimed to investigate associations of objectively‐measured outdoor time with older adults’ physical and psychological function, and examine the mediating role of physical activity on these associations.

Relationship between chronic kidney disease with diabetes or hypertension and frailty in community-dwelling Japanese older adults

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between kidney function with concomitant diabetes or hypertension and frailty in community‐dwelling Japanese older adults.

Relationship between physical activity levels and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older Japanese adults

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA) and depressive symptoms in community‐dwelling older Japanese adults.

The Relationships Between Components of Metabolic Syndrome and Mild Cognitive Impairment Subtypes: A Cross-Sectional Study of Japanese Older Adults

BACKGROUND The associations between components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subtypes remain unclear. OBJECTIVE The study aim was to identify the prevalence of MetS for MCI subtypes and to investigate sex differences in the association between MetS and MCI subtypes in older Japanese adults. METHODS The study analyzed data from 3,312 men and women aged 70 years or more. MetS was diagnosed according to International Diabetes Federation criteria. Participants completed cognitive tests and were categorized into normal cognition, amnestic MCI (aMCI), and non-amnestic MCI (naMCI). The associations between MetS and its components and MCI subtypes were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS MetS prevalence was greater in participants with naMCI (men: p = 0.030; women: p = 0.040). Participants with naMCI showed higher odds ratios (OR) of MetS (men: 2.45, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.13-5.32; women: OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.12-3.39) compared with participants with normal cognition. MetS was not associated with aMCI. Analysis of MetS components showed that raised glucose (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.19-2.22) and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.25-3.12) were associated with naMCI in men. In women, raised blood pressure (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.03-1.94) and raised glucose (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.02-1.71) were associated with naMCI. CONCLUSION MetS was associated only with naMCI regardless of sex, which suggests etiologic differences in MCI subtypes. We also found sex differences in the relationship between naMCI risk and MetS and its components.

Impact of poor sleep quality and physical inactivity on cognitive function in community‐dwelling older adults

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether the combination of subjective sleep quality and physical activity is associated with cognitive performance among community‐dwelling older adults.