The Association between Height and Cognitive Function in Community Dwelling Old Women

Kim, Moo Young; Lee, Ji Won; Im, Jee Aee; Lee, Duk Chul

Abstract

BACKGROUND
There are growing evidences that structural and functional brain reserves may be crucial in cognitive function of late life. In old men, height as an important marker of growth and development, is related to late life cognitive decline or dementia. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship of height to cognitive function in community dwelling old women.
METHODS
A total of 150 community dwelling old women who can carry out daily life independently were recruited in this study. We measured height, weight and blood pressure with an automatic device and investigated medical history and behavioral habits. We obtained fasting blood samples for the glucose and lipid profile tests and measured physical performance. The Korean version of Mini Mental State Examination (K-MMSE) was used for the assessment of cognitive function.
RESULTS
The acceptable cognition group (K-MMSE score > or = 24) was taller than the impaired cognition group (K-MMSE score < 24) (mean height 150.9 +/- 6.1, 148.0 +/- 5.4, respectively, P-value < 0.01). In Pearson correlation analysis, height was positively associated with K-MMSE score (r = 0.342, P < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that height independently related to K-MMSE score after adjustment of age, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, alcohol drinking, residential district, education, gait speed (beta = 0.102, P = 0.03).
CONCLUSION
Height was independently associated with cognitive function in community dwelling old women. For the evaluation of the relationship between height and cognition in diverse cohorts, many studies will be necessary.