Key result
Inactivity linked to higher likelihood of memory issues in adults with or at risk for CVD.
Why the study?
The association between adherence to physical activity guidelines and memory issues among older adults with or at risk of cardiovascular disease was unclear.
Does adherence to physical activity guidelines reduce memory issues in older adults with or at risk of cardiovascular disease?
Cross-Sectional (n=13,432)
Yes
Does adherence to physical activity guidelines reduce memory issues in older adults with or at risk of cardiovascular disease?
p-value: p=<0.001
Adherence to physical activity guidelines is associated with a lower likelihood of self-reported memory issues among older adults with or at risk for cardiovascular disease.
PA adherence may link to fewer memory issues in older adults with CVD risk; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective trials before practice change.
Purpose: To examine the association between adherence to physical activity (PA) guidelines and memory issues among older adults with or at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Method: Data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey for adults aged ≥50 years who self-reported CVD or risk factors ( N = 13,432) were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: Approximately 25% reported some difficulty remembering or concentrating, whereas the majority (89.1%) had some level of increased CVD risk. One half (51%) of the sample did not meet current PA guidelines. After controlling for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and U.S. region, those with a poor or fair health status ( p < .001), increased CVD risk ( p = .002), or who did not meet current PA guidelines ( p < .001) were more likely to report memory issues. Conclusion: Further research is warranted into the role of PA in memory issues, particularly for those at risk for CVD.
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Harris et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiovascular disease or risk factors (n=13,432). Not meeting physical activity guidelines vs. Meeting physical activity guidelines was evaluated on Self-reported memory issues (difficulty remembering or concentrating) (p=<0.001). Not meeting physical activity guidelines was associated with a higher likelihood of reporting memory issues among adults aged ≥50 with or at risk for cardiovascular disease (p<0.001).
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