Engagement in Lifestyle Activities is Associated with Increased Alzheimer’s Disease-Associated Cortical Thickness and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the association between lifestyle activities, including physical, cognitive, and social activities, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) signature cortical thickness, as well as to examine the mediating role of AD signature cortical thickness in lifestyle activities and cognitive function in community-dwelling healthy older adults. Participants were 1026 older adults who met the study inclusion criteria. The physical, cognitive, and social activities of daily life were assessed using a self-reporting questionnaire. AD signature cortical thickness was determined using FreeSurfer software. Cognitive function was evaluated using the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool. Path analysis (based on structural equation modeling (SEM)) of cognitive activities indicated that the direct path from cognitive activities to cognitive function was significant (p < 0.001), as was the direct path from AD signature cortical thickness to cognitive function (p < 0.001). Physical (p < 0.05) or social activities (p < 0.05) had a direct effect on cognitive function. However, AD signature cortical thickness did not mediate the relationship between physical or social activities and cognitive function. Our findings suggest that higher levels of cognitive activities later in life have a significant and positive direct effect on cognitive function. Additionally, AD signature cortical thickness significantly mediates the relationship between cognitive activities and cognitive function.

Participation in Social Activities and Relationship between Walking Habits and Disability Incidence

“…Physical activity was assessed at baseline by asking participants about their participation in the following activities during the past year: walking, cycling, jogging, swimming, muscle training, yoga, gymnastics, dancing, hiking, playing golf, playing grand golf, or ball exercise. Exercise frequency was assessed by participants as never, once a month or less, several times a month, 1–2 times per week, 3–6 times per week, and every day [ 19 ]. In this study, persons who exercised at least 3 times a week were classified as exercising regularly, based on the WHO guidelines [ 6 ].…”

“…Social activity was assessed at baseline by asking participants about their participation in the following group activities involving two or more people during the past year: officer of a senior club or neighborhood association, attending a regional event, engaging in environmental beautification activities, teaching, supporting activity, working, singing karaoke, dining out, partying with friends, shopping with friends, talking to friends (including phone calls), attending an event or concerts, or traveling. The frequency of participation in social activities was also assessed by participants as: never, once a month or less, several times a month, 1–2 times per week, 3–6 times per week, and every day [ 19 ]. In this study, individuals except those who did not participate at least once a year were classified as regular participants.…”

Life Satisfaction and the Relationship between Mild Cognitive Impairment and Disability Incidence: An Observational Prospective Cohort Study

“…Physical activity was assessed at baseline by asking participants about their participation in the following activities during the past year: walking, cycling, jogging, swimming, muscle training, yoga, gymnastics, dancing, hiking, playing golf, playing grand golf, or ball exercise. Exercise frequency was assessed by participants as never, once a month or less, several times a month, 1–2 times per week, 3–6 times per week, and every day [ 54 ]. Individuals in this study, except for those who did not participate at least once a week, were classified as regular participants.…”

“…Social activity was assessed at baseline by asking participants about their participation in the following activities involving two or more people during the past year: being an officer of a senior club or neighborhood association, attending a regional event, engaging in environmental beautification activities, teaching, supporting activity, working, singing karaoke, dining out, partying with friends, shopping with friends, talking to friends (including phone calls), attending an event or concert, or traveling. The frequency of participation in social activities was also assessed by participants as follows: never, once a month or less, several times a month, 1–2 times per week, 3–6 times per week, and every day [ 54 ]. Individuals in this study, except for those who did not participate at least once a year, were classified as regular participants.…”

APOE ε4 allele modified the correlation between deep grey matter volume and cognitive performance in non-demented elders

“…Several number of studies have focused on the volume reduction in cortical structures [15,16], and it is widely known that the atrophy of medial temporal structures including the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex can be present in the early stage of AD and probably amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), the structural and functional changes of which structures can result in an impairment of episodic memory. While, there are relatively few analysis of the subcortical region such as the basal ganglia and thalamus.…”