Effects of Physical Activity Guidelines on Memory Issues in Cardiovascular Disease.
Abstract
Purpose
To examine the association between adherence to physical activity (PA) guidelines and memory issues among older adults with or at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Method
Data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey for adults aged ≥50 years who self-reported CVD or risk factors (N = 13,432) were analyzed using logistic regression.
Results
Approximately 25% reported some difficulty remembering or concentrating, whereas the majority (89.1%) had some level of increased CVD risk. One half (51%) of the sample did not meet current PA guidelines. After controlling for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and U.S. region, those with a poor or fair health status (p < .001), increased CVD risk (p = .002), or who did not meet current PA guidelines (p < .001) were more likely to report memory issues.
Conclusion
Further research is warranted into the role of PA in memory issues, particularly for those at risk for CVD.