Abstract

Background: This study elucidated the association between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and muscle mass/strength in community-dwelling older Chinese.

Methods: 267 Chinese participants aged 60 years old or above were recruited. Global cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the cut-off for MCI was ≤27. Muscle mass and strength were measured using whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan and handgrip strength, respectively. The associations between age and MMSE score, muscle strength, muscle mass and physical performance were evaluated. The participants were firstly divided into MCI and normal groups according to the MMSE score, then the participants were stratified by age (60–69 and ≥70 years old, respectively) to analyze muscle strength, muscle mass and physical performance.

Results: After adjusting for body mass index (BMI), education level, medical history, health behavior and depressed mood, the decreases in muscle mass/strength, physical performance, and the MMSE score were associated with advancing age in both genders. In female participants ≥70 years old, muscle strength significantly decreased in the MCI group (p < 0.05) compared with normal group. Muscle mass of the lower limbs also significantly decreased in the MCI group of females ≥70 years old compared with normal group (p < 0.05).

onclusion: Older female Chinese community dwellers with MCI had a decreased muscle strength and lower limb muscle mass. Considering the relationship between cognitive status and muscle mass/ strength, our study will provide insight to clinicians for developing a screening program for communitydwelling Chinese older than 70 years old.