Association Between Subjective Cognitive Decline and Twice-Weekly Muscle-Strengthening Activities in Middle-Aged and Older US Adults: An Analysis of the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Abstract

Purpose: Adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), the self-reported concern of reduced cognitive function, are recommended to do physical activity for its brain health benefits. US adults aged ≥45 with SCD are less likely to meet the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) aerobic activity recommendations. Their engagement in muscle-strengthening activities is unknown. We aimed to identify if US adults aged ≥45 with SCD are less likely to do twice-weekly muscle-strengthening activities compared to those without SCD.

Design: Secondary analysis of the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data.

Sample: 114 164 respondents, representing approximately 59 million US adults aged ≥45.

Measures: SCD was indicated if the respondent reported confusion or memory loss during the past 12 months (yes/no). Respondents reported the frequency of muscle-strengthening activities, which we categorized as meeting the ACSM's recommendations (2+ times per week) or not (<2 times per week).

Analysis: Crude and adjusted logistic regression models controlling for variables associated with SCD and muscle-strengthening activities. The models used sample weights to represent US adults in the included 31 states and Washington D.C.

Results: US adults aged ≥45 with SCD were less likely to do twice-weekly muscle-strengthening activities than those without SCD (28.6% [SE: .8%] vs 33.5% [SE: .3%], adjusted OR, .9; 95% CI: .9-1.0).

Conclusion: Primary care providers should encourage middle-aged and older patients to engage in muscle-strengthening and aerobic activities.