Handgrip Strength and Gait Speed Relationships With Cognitive Impairment in Iranian Older Adults: Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study Publisher



Nikkhah A^{1, 2} ; Fakhrzadeh H³ ; Moodi M^{4, 5} ; Khodabakhshi H⁴ ; Khorashadizadeh M⁴ ; Arzaghi SM³ ; Varmaghani M⁶ ; Ejtahed HS⁷ ; Sharifi F^{3, 8}
Source: Geriatric Nursing Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Cognitive impairment prevalence is rising with population aging. This study examined the relationship between handgrip strength and gait speed with cognitive impairment and performance in older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study used baseline data from Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study (BLAS), including 1347 older adults. Cognitive function was evaluated using the six-item Cognitive Impairment Test (6-CIT). Gait speed was measured over six meters, and grip strength was assessed with hand dynamometers. Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, the association between low handgrip strength and cognitive impairment lost its significance (relative risk ratio (RRR) = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.70, 1.63). However, low gait speed remained significantly associated with dementia (RRR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.01) after adjusting for age, sex, education, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Low gait speed is significantly associated with dementia, highlighting the importance of incorporating physical function measures into dementia risk assessments. © 2025 Elsevier Inc.