Differences in Cognitive Health and Brain Activity According to Mild Cognitive Impairment and Physical Activity Levels in Older Women

TL;DR

This study finds that older women with higher physical activity have better cognitive health and brain activity compared to those with mild cognitive impairment.

Contribution

The study reveals a link between physical activity levels and improved cognitive and brain activity in older women with and without mild cognitive impairment.

Findings

Non-MCI participants showed higher cognitive scores across all physical activity levels.

Higher physical activity was associated with increased theta wave brain activity in non-MCI individuals.

Significant differences in concentration and stress levels were observed between groups.

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in cognitive well-being and brain activity between older women with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) across varying levels of physical activity. Method: A total of 126 female participants aged over 65 years were recruited and categorized into MCI and non-MCI groups. Cognitive health was evaluated using the Korean versions of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-K) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-K), while physical activity levels were quantified with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE-K). Brain activity was assessed through electroencephalography (EEG). Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. Results: Results indicated that non-MCI participants consistently demonstrated higher cognitive scores across all physical activity levels. Moreover, individuals with higher physical activity exhibited greater theta wave activity compared with those in the MCI group. Significant group differences were also observed in concentration and stress levels. Conclusion: These findings suggest that higher physical activity levels are associated with better cognitive performance and brain activity in older women. Promoting physical activity may therefore contribute to strategies aimed at supporting healthy cognitive aging, although longitudinal research is required to establish causal relationships.

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