Researchers Examine the Role of Muscle Strength in Aging Cognitive Health

A study published in Scientific Reports indicates a strong association between handgrip strength, walking speed, and cognition, suggesting how improved physical health could improve cognitive health in older adults, reports Medical Xpress . Researchers in Australia are searching for the risk factors for sarcopenia across one's lifespan through the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Recent follow-up testing involved measuring cognitive function through a computer-based program, in conjunction with physical health assessments. Results from a cohort of men older than 60 showed a strong relationship between hand grip strength and cognition, especially psychomotor function. Meanwhile, usual walking speed was tied to psychomotor function, attention, and overall cognition — but no connection was noted between muscle mass and cognitive function. "The work . . . shows that loss of muscle strength is not only important for overall physical function, but for cognitive health as well," said Institute for Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation Professor Julie Pasco. "All this research . . . can be used as an evidence-based way of refining the relatively new definition of sarcopenia."