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Aim: Muscle mass and strength correlate with cognitive function; however, it remains unclear whether dynapenia (i.e., muscle weakness with preserved muscle mass) is relevant. This study aimed to explore whether dynapenia is associated with global cognitive function in community‐dwelling older Japanese adults. Methods: This cross‐sectional study used data from the Integrated Research Initiative for Living Well with Dementia Cohort Study, which pooled data from five community‐based geriatric cohorts. Dynapenia was defined as muscle weakness without muscle mass loss according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). An ordered logistic regression analysis was conducted with dynapenia as the exposure and with cognitive decline stages, defined as an MMSE score of 27–30 for normal cognition, 24–26 for possible cognitive decline, and <24 for cognitive decline, as the outcome, stratified by sex and adjusted for age, muscle mass, education, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, living alone, and non‐communicable diseases. Results: We analyzed data for 3338 participants (2162 female) with preserved muscle mass. Of these, 449 (13.5%) had dynapenia, and 79 (2.4%) exhibited cognitive decline. Multivariate odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for cognitive decline among those with dynapenia, compared with those without dynapenia, were 1.51 (1.02–2.24) for males and 2.08 (1.51–2.86) for females. Conclusions: Muscle weakness is associated with cognitive decline, even in individuals with preserved muscle mass. Further studies are needed to better understand the association between muscle weakness and cognitive decline over time in order to develop dementia prevention strategies for those with dynapenia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 123–129. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the relationship between subjective age and mortality among older adults in Japan over a five-year period. It mentions that while previous studies from Western countries suggest that feeling younger than one's chronological age is associated with better health and longevity, this study investigates whether similar associations exist in Japan, where welfare systems differ.

Aim: Community settings often need simple screening, rather than detailed tests, to identify cognitive impairment. This study aimed to develop models to screen older adults with cognitive impairment. Methods: This study used data from the Integrated Research Initiative for Living Well with Dementia Cohort Study and included 5830 older adults. Individuals were considered cognitively impaired if their Mini‐Mental State Examination score was less than 24. Three screening models were developed: the simple model (age, sex, and education), the base model comprising 13 candidate variables available in the questionnaire, and the enhanced model, where grip strength and gait speed were added to the base model. We performed binary logistic regression analysis with stepwise backward elimination (P < 0.1 for retention in the model) to develop each model. Then, we calculated integer scores from coefficients to develop score‐based models. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate discrimination. Results: Participants with cognitive impairment accounted for 4.0% (n = 233) of the total. The score‐based simple model comprised three variables (AUC = 0.72, sensitivity: 72%, specificity: 61%). The score‐based base model included nine variables (AUC = 0.76, sensitivity: 70%, specificity: 67%). The score‐based enhanced model comprised eight variables, including grip strength and gait speed (AUC = 0.79, sensitivity: 73%, specificity: 70%). Conclusions: This study developed three screening models with acceptable discriminant validity for cognitive impairment. These models comprised simple questionnaire‐based items and common physical performance measurements. These models could enable screening of older adults suspected of cognitive impairment without the need to conduct cognitive tests in community settings. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 292–297. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the need for cognitive assessments in Community General Support Centers (CGSCs) among older adults and the rarity of standardized cognitive evaluation. Topics include cognitive assessment needs, methods used, and identified barriers, emphasizing the applicability of a screening model for dementia. .