Association of cognitive performance with the physical activity and body mass index in middle-aged and older rural inhabitants

OBJECTIVE: Last few decades have witnessed rapid ageing of the population. The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment and dementia is significantly higher in people aged 60 and over than in younger. The aim of the study was the assessment of the putative associations between physical activity and cognitive functioning in elderly inhabitants of a rural area. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The participants underwent physical assessment, physical activity, cognitive functions, depression were assessed. RESULTS: Highly active participants had better results in tests assessing psychomotor speed and in measuring attention and its flexibility comparing to groups of medium and low physical activity. Active people made fewer errors in the test measuring visual memory and new learning, and had significantly better results in the spatial-recognition memory test. Persons with symptoms of depression performed worse in visuospatial memory and working memory tests. Associations between physical activity and cognitive test results as well as association between body mass index and blood pressure and cognitive performance were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study suggest an association between higher physical activity and better cognitive functioning in the field of working memory and visual and spatial-recognition, attention and attention flexibility. Symptoms of depression, hypertension and increased BMI may adversely affect cognitive performance in elderly.