Exercise Level and Cognitive Decline: The MoVIES Project

Abstract:
Growing evidence suggests that physical exercise may be protective against cognitive impairment and decline. A prospective study of a representative rural community sample (N = 1,146) aged 65+ years examined self-reported exercise habits and measured global cognitive function using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A composite variable “exercise level” combining type, frequency, and duration of exercise was created with three levels: “high exercise” (aerobic exercise of ≥ 30 minute duration ≥ 3 times a week), “low exercise” (all other exercise groups), and “no exercise.” Cognitive decline was defined as being in the 90th percentile of decline in this cohort, ie, declining by 3 or more MMSE points during the 2-year interval between two assessments. In a multiple regression model, high exercise level at the baseline assessment was negatively…

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