Associação entre desempenho funcional e função cognitiva em mulheres na pós-menopausa: um estudo transversal

Abstract

In the post-menopausal period, both reductions in functional performance and cognitive function are observed. In addition, there appears to be an association between these two variables. Thus, tests that assess functional performance, which have the power to predict the onset of cognitive decline effectively, and early, can be an important tool to identify reductions in functional and cognitive performance in postmenopausal women. Assess whether there is an association between functional performance and cognitive function. Also, to verify if the gait speed tests of 400 meters (Vm400) and Time Up and Go (TUG) as a predictor of cognitive function in postmenopausal women. 128 women with an average age of 60.8 years were selected. Body mass and composition were measured using the dual emission X-ray method by energy absorptometry (DXA), functional performance was assessed by the TUG and Vm400 tests, cognitive performance by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test and strength was assessed by maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the lower limbs. An association between functional performance and cognitive function was observed in middle aged postmenopausal women. In addition, it was found that the TUG test has the power to predict cognitive decline (Estimate = -0.79; Standard error = 0.29; p = 0.008), but the Vm400 test is not a good predictor of cognitive decline (Estimate = 3.03; Standard error = 1.92; p = 0.117) in postmenopausal women. It is concluded that functional performance is associated with the decline in cognitive function in postmenopausal women. In addition, the TUG test proved to be a good tool to predict cognitive decline in this population, which was not observed for the Vm400 test.