Physical activity is associated with higher cognitive function among adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
We evaluated the specific association between physical activity and cognitive function among a national sample of the broader U.S. adult population with a family history of Alzheimer's disease. Data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to identify 219 older adults, ages 60-85, with a family history of Alzheimer's disease. The Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) was used to assess cognitive function, with physical activity assessed via a validated questionnaire. In an unadjusted model, older adults, who had at least one blood relative with Alzheimer's disease, had greater cognitive function when meeting MVPA guidelines in comparison to their inactive counterparts (β=9.6; 95% CI: 4.6-14.7; P=0.001). After adjustments, results were attenuated, but still statistically significant (8.5; 95% CI: 4.0-13.0; P=0.001). In this national sample of individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, meeting physical activity guidelines was associated with higher cognitive function.