Cognitive function is associated with performance in time up and go test and with leptin blood levels in community-dwelling older women

Abstract

Abstract Considering the challenge that cognitive dysfunction and dementia represent to health is imperative to prioritize early diagnosis strategies and explore the pathophysiological mechanisms. There is no consensus on specific markers and physical tests that indicate cognitive decline in older. The objective of this study was to evaluate a panel of inflammatory biomarkers and physical function and investigate their association with cognitive function in community-dwelling older women. Seventy-one participants were included in this study. Cognitive function was assessed by Mini Mental State Examination, muscle strength using dynamometer, body composition using Dual X-ray absorptiometry, respiratory muscle strength using manuvacuometer, and physical function using the Short Physical Performance Battery and Time Up and Go (TUG) tests. Blood samples were collected to analyze a panel of inflammatory biomarkers. The cognitive function was associated with TUG (β = − 0.48; 95%IC = − 0.54 to − 0.21; p < 0.001), inspiratory muscle strength (β = 0.30; 95%IC = 0.005–0.03; p = 0.009), and leptin concentrations (β = 0.32; 95% IC = 0.001–0.006; 0.007). Time spent on TUG test and leptin levels accounted for 27% of variability in cognitive function independent of age. Poorer physical function with leptin plasma levels is associated with decreased cognitive function in older women. These findings contribute to comprehension of pathophysiology underlying cognitive decline and informing the development of new approaches to prevent, diagnose, monitoring and treat cognitive decline in aging.