The relationship between cognitive function and physical performance in older women: Results from the women's health initiative memory study

Abstract

BackgroundCognitive function and physical performance are associated, but the common sequence of cognitive and physical decline remains unclear.MethodsIn the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS) clinical trial, we examined associations at baseline and over a 6-year follow-up period between the Modified Mini-Mental State (3MS) Examination and three physical performance measures (PPMs): gait speed (meters/second), chair stands (number of stands in 15 seconds), and grip strength (kilograms). Using mixed models, we examined the baseline 3MS as predictor of change in PPM, change in the 3MS as predictor of change in PPM, and baseline PPM as predictors of 3MS change.ResultsAmong 1,793 women (mean age = 70.3 years, 89% white, and mean 3MS score = 95.1), PPM were weakly correlated with 3MS-gait speed: r =. 06, p =. 02; chair stands: r =. 09, p