J Korean Geriatr Psychiatry.  2018 Apr;22(1):1-6. 10.0000/jkgp.2018.22.1.1.

Relationship between Body Composition and Cognitive Function : Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

• Roh J
• Kim H
• Lee KJ

• KMID: 2434992
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/jkgp.2018.22.1.1

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Body composition is measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and correlation between the result of BIA and cognitive function is analyzed.
METHODS
A total of 118 elderly (46 male, 72 female) were recruited. They were divided into three groups; normal (n=33), mild cognitive impairment (n=42), and Alzheimer's dementia (n=43) according to the diagnostic criteria. Skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, and fat-free mass were measured using a BIA device, and were converted to the ratio of body weight. All participants underwent Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-K).
RESULTS
In pearson correlation analysis, skeletal muscle percentage (SMP) and fat-free mass percentage (FFMP) were positively correlated with MMSE-K score (r=0.309, p=0.001; r=0.245, p=0.008), and body fat percentage was negatively correlated (r=−0.258, p=0.005). In multiple regression analysis, SMP (β=2.012, t=4.457, p < 0.001) and FFMP (β=−1.733, t=−3.838, p < 0.001) were selected as the best predictors of changes in MMSE-K score (R2=0.198).
CONCLUSION
Reduced skeletal muscle and increased body fat correlate with decreased cognitive function, suggesting the need for prevention of frailty and early diagnosis of cognitive impairment.

Keyword

Alzheimer's dementia; Bioelectrical impedance analysis; Body composition; Sarcopenia

MeSH Terms

Adipose Tissue
Aged
Body Composition*
Body Weight
Cognition Disorders
Cognition*
Dementia
Early Diagnosis
Electric Impedance*
Humans
Male
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Muscle, Skeletal
Sarcopenia