Gait Speed Is Associated with Cognitive Function among Older Adults with HIV.

TitleGait Speed Is Associated with Cognitive Function among Older Adults with HIV.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsDerry HM, Johnston CD, Burchett CO, Siegler EL, Glesby MJ
JournalJ Aging Health
Pagination898264320943330
Date Published2020 Jul 22
ISSN1552-6887
Abstract

To determine links between objectively and subjectively measured physical function and cognitive function among HIV-positive older adults, a growing yet understudied group with elevated risk for multimorbidity. At a biomedical research visit, 162 participants completed objective tests of gait speed (4-m walk), grip strength (dynamometer), and cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA) and reported their well-being (Medical Outcomes Study-HIV survey). Those with faster gait speed had better overall cognitive function than those with slower gait speed ( = 3.98, = 1.30, = .003) in an adjusted regression model controlling for age, sex, race, height, preferred language, and assistive device use. Grip strength was not significantly associated with overall cognitive function. Self-rated cognitive function was weakly related to MoCA scores ( = .26) and gait speed ( = .14) but was strongly associated with emotional well-being ( = .53). These observed, expected connections between physical and cognitive function could inform intervention strategies to mitigate age-related declines for older adults with HIV.

DOI10.1177/0898264320943330
Alternate JournalJ Aging Health
PubMed ID32697615