Blodgett JM, Cooper R, Davis DHJ, Kuh D, Hardy R. Associations of Word Memory, Verbal Fluency, Processing Speed, and Crystallized Cognitive Ability With One-Legged Balance Performance in Mid- and Later Life.
J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2022;
77:807-816. [PMID:
34125203 PMCID:
PMC8974350 DOI:
10.1093/gerona/glab168]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Cognitive integration of sensory input and motor output plays an important role in balance. Despite this, it is not clear if specific cognitive processes are associated with balance and how these associations change with age. We examined longitudinal associations of word memory, verbal fluency, search speed, and reading ability with repeated measures of one-legged balance performance.
METHOD
Up to 2 934 participants in the MRC National Survey of Health and Development, a British birth cohort study, were included. At age 53, word memory, verbal fluency, search speed, and reading ability were assessed. One-legged balance times (eyes closed) were measured at ages 53, 60-64, and 69 years. Associations between each cognitive measure and balance time were assessed using random-effects models. Adjustments were made for sex, death, attrition, height, body mass index, health conditions, health behaviors, education, and occupational class.
RESULTS
In sex-adjusted models, 1 SD higher scores in word memory, search speed, and verbal fluency were associated with 14.1% (95% CI: 11.3, 16.8), 7.2% (4.4, 9.9), and 10.3% (7.5, 13.0) better balance times at age 53, respectively. Higher reading scores were associated with better balance, although this association plateaued. Associations were partially attenuated in mutually adjusted models and effect sizes were smaller at ages 60-64 and 69. In fully adjusted models, associations were largely explained by education, although remained for word memory and search speed.
CONCLUSIONS
Higher cognitive performance across all measures was independently associated with better balance performance in midlife. Identification of individual cognitive mechanisms involved in balance could lead to opportunities for targeted interventions in midlife.
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