title: Physical Activity and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: The Mediating Effect of Depressive Symptoms.
abstract: Depressive symptoms and social networks may influence the relationship between physical activity and cognition. Using structural equation modeling, depressive symptoms and social networks were examined as mediators between physical activity and cognition in community-dwelling older adults (N = 122), with a range of cognitive abilities (e.g., normal, mild cognitive impairment). The model included age, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleeping, social networks, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function. A path was observed between physical activity, depressive symptoms, and cognition; specifically, those who were more physically active experienced less depression and better cognitive functioning. No relationship between social networks and cognition was found. This model fits the data well (goodness-of-fit index = .93, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = .90, root mean square error of approximation = .06). Results suggest that physical activity may mitigate depressive symptoms, with beneficial effects on cognitive functioning in both those with and without mild cognitive impairment. Suggestions for managing depression and improving cognitive functioning are provided.
authors.affiliation: Questions or comments about this article may be directed to David E. Vance, PhD, at devance@uab.edu. He is a Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Daniel C. Marson, JD PhD, Department of Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Kristen L. Triebel, PsyD, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Karlene K. Ball, PhD, Center for Translational Research in Aging and Mobility, Department of Psychology, and Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Virginia G. Wadley, PhD, Center for Translational Research in Aging and Mobility; Department of Psychology; Alzheimer's Disease Research Center; and Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Shameka L. Cody, MSN ANP GNP-C, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Vance
authors.forename: Daniel C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Marson
authors.forename: Kristen L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Triebel
authors.forename: Karlene K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Ball
authors.forename: Virginia G
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Wadley
authors.forename: Shameka L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Cody
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology; D010054:Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003071:Cognition; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support