DOI: 10.1177/08982643261475378 ISSN: 0898-2643

Psychosocial Pathways Between Physical Activity and Mild Cognitive Impairment in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Mediation and Moderation Analyses

Daniel Eduardo da Cunha Leme, Mia Liza A. Lustria, Dawn C. Carr, Neil Charness, Kenneth M. Langa, Zhe He
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Objective

To examine whether physical activity (PA) relates to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) both directly and indirectly through depressive symptoms and social isolation, and whether social isolation moderates this association.

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis used data from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( n = 2,933; ≥60 years). Self-reported PA, depressive symptoms, and social isolation were assessed. MCI was defined as a composite cognitive score greater than one standard deviation below the sample mean.

Results

Weighted path analysis showed that higher PA levels were inversely associated with MCI. Depressive symptoms and social isolation mediated this association. Social isolation moderated the PA–MCI relationship, with the inverse association being most pronounced among individuals with higher isolation levels.

Conclusions

PA is associated with MCI in older adults through psychosocial pathways, and social isolation shapes this relationship. Promoting PA may be particularly relevant for those experiencing social isolation.

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