Physical activity and functional fitness in older adults with cognitive impairment

Abstract

The aging process leads to inevitable life changes, and is characterized by a progressive loss of psychological and physiological functions (Daroff & Aminoff, 2003; Spirduso, 2005). Cognitive impairment is very common in the elderly, (Daroff & Aminoff, 2003) and ranges from mild to severe (e.g., mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease). Unfortunately, the information available about the physical activity and sedentary behavior of people with cognitive impairment is scarce. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to examine physical activity levels and functional fitness of older adults with cognitive impairment.