The relationship between physical activity, secondhand smoke exposure and cognitive performance in older adults

In 2019, 58 million Americans were exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS). SHS is an environmental hazard associated with a 20-30% increased risk for stroke and 25-30% for heart disease. This is especially concerning in the elderly population due to the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and its association with increased risk of cognitive decline. As the aging population is expected to grow significantly in the next decades, it is crucial to identify strategies to alleviate detrimental environmental effects and promote healthy aging. Physical activity (PA) is positively associated with cardiovascular health and cognitive performance; however, its relationship on the effects of SHS on cognition remains unexplored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the association between SHS, PA, and cognitive function. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the 2011-2012 NHANES database including data from 576 older adults (65% female, Mage = 69). Cognitive performance was assessed via The Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Word List Memory task (CERAD W-L) immediate and delayed recall, Animal Fluency test (AFT), and Digit Symbol Substitution test (DSST). SHS was defined as presence of urinary cotinine (<100µg/g), and PA was self-reported using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Independent T-tests were used to examine the difference in test scores between groups. Results show better scores for physically active females exposed to SHS in AFT (t= -2.097, p=0.037) and DSST scores (t=-2.905, p=0.004). Males had better scores in AFT (t=-2.845, p=0.005) and DSST (t=-4.636, p<0.001) only when physically active and not exposed to SHS. Two-way ANOVA models comparing the AFT scores among females show significant results in PA (F=7.533, p=0.006) and urinary cotinine (F=5.357, p=0.021). For males, a cross over interaction effect suggests that secondhand smoke exposed males have higher scores in the AFT and DSST if physically inactive (F=7.644, p=0.006, and F=7.395, p=0.007, respectively). Females who are physically active have better cognitive performance when compared to their physically inactive counterparts, regardless of exposure to SHS. Males seem to benefit from PA only when not exposed to SHS. Given the importance of cognitive functioning in healthy and independent aging, promoting PA may be beneficial for women who are exposed to SHS. Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between SHS, PA and cognitive functions in older adults.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Kinesiology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2022

Author dc:creator

• Selzer Ninomiya, Ana Laura

Contributors dc:contributor

• Aguiñaga, Susan

• physical activity
• smoking
• cognition

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2022 Ana Laura Selzer Ninomiya

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/116134

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F116134