Differential Associations Between Distinct Components of Cognitive and Physical Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Background: Cognitive and physical functions share certain age-related patterns of change, including slowed processing speed and movement. Both functions are multifaceted, and the association between them can be affected by the type of measurement considered. This study examined one-to-one relationships between cognitive and physical functions, using data from the Compostela Aging Study. Methods: A total of 267 middle-aged and older individuals without cognitive impairment were included in the study (mean age 65.57, 75.7% women). The relationship between cognitive and physical performance was examined using Spearman’s rho, adjusted for age and sex. Results: Standing up, sitting down and total times in the Timed-Up and Go test were significantly correlated with performance on the Trail-Making and phonological fluency tests. Turning time in the Timed-Up and Go test and self-reported physical activity were correlated with performance on the Spanish version of the California Verbal Learning Test. Grip strength was correlated with performance on the Counting Span task. Conclusions: This study adds evidence to the one-to-one relationship between cognitive and physical function in a subclinical cohort of middle-aged and older adults.