A Prospective Study of Physical Activity and Cognitive Decline in Elderly Women

Abstract

AT LEAST 10% of persons older than 65 years and 50% of those older than 85 years have some form of cognitive impairment, ranging from mild deficits to dementia.¹ The identification of risk factors associated with cognitive decline, especially ones that may lead to prevention or intervention strategies, is critical. Physical activity has been identified as a possible risk factor that might be amenable to such interventions. There are several possible mechanisms by which physical activity could affect cognitive function, including increasing cerebral blood flow,² reducing the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease,³ and stimulating neuronal growth and survival.⁴