The Association Between Cognitive Impairments and Lower Extremity Functions in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Taiwan

Evaluating the difference in lower extremity functions in different levels of cognitive impairments is imperative in older populations. Eighty-two adults aged over 60 were divided into the normal (n = 23), mild cognitive impairment (n = 24), and dementia groups (n = 35), categorized by the Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination scale. Lower extremity muscle strength, flexibility, and balance abilities were evaluated. In static balance, NC group had better performance in stability score (p < 0.001) than D group, especially in anterior-posterior (p = 0.001). In ankle proprioception, the performance in both NC and MCI groups was better (p = 0.017) than D group. NC and MCI groups had better flexibility (p < 0.001), agility/dynamic balance (p = 0.001), and muscle strength (p = 0.004) than D group. The abilities of lower extremity functions may be affected by cognitive impairments. It is important to provide exercise interventions to improve lower extremity functions, especially when agility/dynamic balance, and ankle anterior–posterior control are limited because of early cognitive degeneration.