Cognitive Function: Its Relationship with Functional Status, Fitness, and Vascular and Cerebral Blood Flow

Cognitive impairment has long been acknowledged as one of the top three intrinsic risk factors contributing to fall risk in older populations. However, the biologic mechanisms behind declining cognitive function have yet to be determined. The development of more reliable, less invasive, and less costly monitoring devices has made the process much more attainable for evaluation in clinical outpatient settings. This article highlights the potential interrelationships between cognitive testing, cardiovascular and cerebral blood flow, physical activity, and functional status.