I read with interest the article on risk of Alzheimer disease (AD) and cognitive decline and it is clear that increased activity may be beneficial for older adults. [1] The authors described that studies examining the link between objective measures of total daily physical activity and incident AD are lacking. However, other articles [2] did develop a definition of healthy aging and emphasized the need for daily activities.
Using actinography, the authors showed positive correlation between physical activity and risk of developing AD. I agree with their conclusion but the follow-up period seemed too short. The patients who were developing AD already had mild cognitive impairment at study entry. This would have decreased their physical activities and increased the risk of developing AD.
Longer observational periods are needed to address these concerns.
1. Buchman AS, Boyle PA, Yu L, Shah RC, Wilson RS, Bennett DA. Total daily physical activity and the risk of AD and cognitive decline in older adults. Neurology 2012; 78: 1323-1329.
2. Tyas SL, Snowdon DA, Desrosiers MF, Riley KP, Markesberry WR. Healthy ageing in the Nun Study: Definition and neuropathologic correlates. Age and Ageing 2007; 36: 650-655.
Disclosures: For disclosure information, contact Editorial Office journal@neurology.org
I read with interest the article on risk of Alzheimer disease (AD) and cognitive decline and it is clear that increased activity may be beneficial for older adults. [1] The authors described that studies examining the link between objective measures of total daily physical activity and incident AD are lacking. However, other articles [2] did develop a definition of healthy aging and emphasized the need for daily activities.
Using actinography, the authors showed positive correlation between physical activity and risk of developing AD. I agree with their conclusion but the follow-up period seemed too short. The patients who were developing AD already had mild cognitive impairment at study entry. This would have decreased their physical activities and increased the risk of developing AD.
Longer observational periods are needed to address these concerns.
1. Buchman AS, Boyle PA, Yu L, Shah RC, Wilson RS, Bennett DA. Total daily physical activity and the risk of AD and cognitive decline in older adults. Neurology 2012; 78: 1323-1329.
2. Tyas SL, Snowdon DA, Desrosiers MF, Riley KP, Markesberry WR. Healthy ageing in the Nun Study: Definition and neuropathologic correlates. Age and Ageing 2007; 36: 650-655.
Disclosures: For disclosure information, contact Editorial Office journal@neurology.org