Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study aimed to examine associations between functional capacity (FC), brain β-amyloid (Aβ) burden, and longitudinal cognitive performance. Data from 89 cognitively normal women (70.0 ± 2.7 years) in the Women’s Healthy Ageing Project cohort were analyzed. FC was assessed using the timed up and go (TUG) test and the Aβ burden was quantified via a F-18 Florbetaben PET scan with Standardized Uptake Value Ratio (SUVR). Cognition was evaluated longitudinally using the Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite (PACC) over 3.9 ± 2.6 years. Multiple linear regression, mediation analysis, and linear mixed-effects models were applied. Baseline Aβ burden and years of education were associated with cognitive performance two to six years later, while the TUG performance was associated with cognitive outcomes at two years. Aβ burden was found to mediate the relationship between FC and cognition over time. A significant three-way interaction (TUG × SUVR × time) was observed, indicating that declines in the TUG performance over time were exclusively associated with steeper cognitive decline among women with elevated Aβ burden (SUVR ≥ 1.42). These findings suggest that maintaining functional mobility may be particularly relevant for women with increased Aβ burden and support future research targeting early motor-cognitive markers.
Source: Applied Sciences
DOI: 10.3390/app15095210
Authors: Raquel Pedrero-Chamizo, Cassandra Szoeke
Institutions: Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Monash University
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W4410155839