Tracking of the cognitive function and physical fitness in the older population from metropolitan area of Santos: Differences between the sexes

Background Epidemiological studies have shown a difference between the sexes in the cognitive dysfunction in the elderly where women are more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease than men. Evidence has reported that physical activity (PA) is an important strategy for brain health, but the exact mechanism by which PA would promote beneficial effects is not yet clear. The metropolitan area of Santos has the largest proportion of elderly population in Sao Paulo State (22%), but no studies shave examined the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in this population or whether there are differences between the sexes in the cognitive function. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the differences between the sexes in the cognitive function of the elderly from the metropolitan area of Santos. Methods This study was approved by the Ethical Committee Board from Medical School/UNIMES (Number: CAAE 20938619.4.0000.5509). One‐hundred and eleven women and fifty‐seven men were eligible for the study. Inclusion criteria were >65 years‐old, no severe cognitive impairment, preserved activities of daily living. Cognitive function and the level of PA were assessed by the mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) and Baecke questionnaire for older, respectively. Results The mean age of women was 75±3 and for men 73±1.4. There were no differences between the sexes in the MMSE score (27±1 and 27.3±1 for women and men, respectively), and approximately 23% of the participants were below the cut‐off reference values when the educational status was considered. Baecke score shows that the percentage of physically active women is lower as compared to men (44% and 54%, respectively, P<0.05). Conclusion There were no differences between the sexes in the cognitive function in the elderly even though women are less active than men. Financial Support: Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)