# Association Between Lower-Limb Muscle Quality, Cognitive Function and Sarcopenia in Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study finds that muscle quality in older adults is linked to both physical and cognitive health markers.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific associations between lower-limb muscle quality and cognitive performance in older adults.

## Key findings

- Lower-limb MQI was associated with sarcopenia markers and cognitive performance.
- BMI, handgrip strength, and dual-task walking time were independently linked to MQI.
- Cognitive tests like MMSE and Stroop Test showed differences between MQI groups.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: This cross-sectional study evaluated associations between physical function, cognitive function, sarcopenia, and the lower-limb Muscle Quality Index (MQI) in older adults. Methods: Patients with various MQIs (strength-to-mass ratios) were stratified into two groups. Physical-muscular aspects were assessed using body mass index (BMI), a Simple Questionnaire to Rapidly Diagnose Sarcopenia (SARC-F), and handgrip strength. Cognitive aspects were assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Trail Making Test, Stroop Test, verbal fluency, and dual-task performance. Seventy-nine older adults (73 ± 9 years) of both sexes completed the tests. Results: BMI, SARC-F, handgrip strength, MMSE, Stroop Test (L1), semantic verbal fluency (animals), and dual-task outcomes differed between MQI groups (p ≤ 0.05) and were associated with MQI in regression analyses. In the adjusted model, BMI, handgrip strength, and dual-task walking time were independently associated with MQI (adjusted R2 = 0.514). Conclusion: Lower-limb MQI was associated with markers of sarcopenia and cognitive/dual-task performance in community-dwelling older adults.