Cognitive characterization of physically active and sedentary older adults participating in physical activity programs

摘要

Problem: the hippocampus is one of the brain structures that suffers the most over time. Different studies confirm that this region undergoes important structural and biochemical changes during normal aging, and that these changes may represent a fundamental component in memory deterioration associated with age. Objective: to characterize the state and cognitive response of physically active older adults participating in physical activity groups. Materials and methods: 112 older adults from different groups of physical activity in the city of Medellin were evaluated, cross-sectionally evaluating each participant. The Fantastic test was applied to assess lifestyle, sociodemographic information was collected, body composition was measured, blood pressure was taken and the MoCa test was applied to measure cognitive status. Results: it was found that the mean of the MoCa cognitive test in men and women was 22 (3.84), giving a classification of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), regardless of the level of physical activity of the individuals. In addition, a correlation was presented between the results of the MoCa test and variables such as age and educational level (r = 0.41-0.46), respectively. Conclusions: the study helps to better understand cognitive performance in older adults and its correlation with sociodemographic and morphofunctional profiles. It is suggested to carry out studies where the most representative variables of the studied phenomenon are analyzed. The level of education, age and physical activity are variables that affect the prevention and delay of cognitive decline.