Association between physical activity level and cognitive performance in older adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer’s disease is an important cause of cognitive decline and functional loss in older adults, with a growing impact on public health. In this context, physical activity has been identified as a potentially protective factor because of its association with better cognitive performance, greater functional independence, and a possible reduction in the risk of progression to dementia. Investigating this association may contribute to preventive strategies and early interventions in vulnerable populations. Objective: To analyze the association between physical activity level and cognitive performance in older adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study conducted with older adults followed at a specialized outpatient clinic. Sociodemographic variables, physical activity level, presence of risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive performance on standardized tests, and degree of functional independence were evaluated. Participants were classified according to physical activity level into active and insufficiently active/sedentary groups, and were compared regarding cognitive and functional performance. Results: A total of 118 older adults were evaluated, with a mean age of 71.8 years, and 64.4% were female. It was observed that 46.6% of participants were physically active, whereas 53.4% were classified as insufficiently active or sedentary. Physically active older adults showed better global cognitive performance, greater independence in activities of daily living, and a lower frequency of mild cognitive impairment compared with sedentary individuals. Among participants with low physical activity, there was a higher prevalence of arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and worse functional performance, suggesting an association between sedentary behavior and greater cognitive vulnerability. Conclusion: Higher levels of physical activity were associated with better cognitive and functional performance in older adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. These findings reinforce the importance of physical activity as a preventive strategy and a means of promoting brain health, potentially contributing to a reduction in the impact of cognitive decline in this population.