November - 5 - 2009
Researchers have found little overall association between physical activity and cognition in older women with type 2 diabetes, after adjusting for disability factors. The study evaluated data from 1,550 older women with type 2 diabetes. The participants' cognitive function was assessed in the Nurses' Health Study, beginning in 1995-2000. The researchers conducted two follow-up assessments after the study, at two-year intervals. Results from age- and education-adjusted models initially indicated that higher levels of physical activity were associated with better cognition at baseline. After adjusting for several potential confounders, however, the associations were substantially weaker.