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Physical activity and cognitive function of community Chinese elderly in Hong Kong (HK) and Guangzhou (GZ)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 December 2014

Elena X. F. Su ,
Y. Q. lin ,
S. L. Zhang ,
Grace T. Y. Leung ,
Linda C. W. Lam  and
Helen F. K. Chiu
Elena X. F. Su
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
Y. Q. lin
Affiliation:
Mental Health Center, Guangdong People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
S. L. Zhang
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of the Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
Grace T. Y. Leung
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Tai Po Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR China
Linda C. W. Lam*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
Helen F. K. Chiu
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Linda C. W. Lam, Department of Psychiatry, G/F, Multi Center, Tai Po Hospital, NT, Hong Kong. Phone: +852-2-6076040; Fax: +852-2-6671255. Email: [email protected].
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Abstract

Background:

Some studies demonstrated that physical activity may have beneficial effect on cognitive function. The objective of the study was to estimate the association between physical activity and cognitive function in community-dwelling elderly Chinese in Hong Kong (HK) and Guangzhou (GZ).

Methods:

In the neighborhood of HK and GZ, a convenience sample of 557 (260 in HK and 297 in GZ) older persons without dementia aged over 60 years (73.4 ± 6.5) was recruited. Physical activity was measured using a checklist. Information on physical activity participation, cognitive function, and other variables were collected. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between physical activity and cognitive function.

Results:

Total number of physical activities showed significant association with the delayed recall test (p < 0.01) and category verbal fluency test (CVFT) (p < 0.01). However, with further adjustment for participation in intellectual activity, the coefficients were no longer statistically significant (p > 0.05)

Conclusion:

Physical activity may not be associated with better cognitive function among elderly Chinese independently of other factors.

Keywords

physical activitycognitive functionChinese elderly
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 27 , Issue 6 , June 2015 , pp. 959 - 966
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2014 

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