Memory and physical mobility in physically and cognitively-independent elderly people

Objective: To examine the relationship between memory and basic physical mobility in an independent elderly population. Methods: We evaluated memory and physical mobility in 147 persons aged 60 years or older who were physically and cognitively independent. Memory was assessed by using the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test (PBMT) and a total standardized profile score was used as an index of overall memory status. Additionally, we made a "score independent of walking ability" to exclude the effect of physical mobility on the RBMT score and a "score independent of prospective memory" to exclude the effect of executive function on the RBMT score. Basic physical mobility was assessed by using the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). The score was expressed as the time in seconds to perform the sequence of the action required in TUG. Results: The TUG score significantly correlated with the total standardized profile score (r(s) = -0.21, P < 0.05) and the scores independent of walking ability (r(s), = -0.23, P < 0.01) and prospective memory (r(s) = -0.23, P < 0.01). Controlling for age, sex, education, and the presence of risk factors of cerebrovascular disease did not change the results. Conclusions: Memory is associated with basic physical mobility in independent elderly people. Because the TUG score significantly correlated with the scores independent of walking ability and prospective memory, the correlation was not a superficial one due to physical mobility or executive function. Our findings suggest that maintaining basic physical mobility can slow memory decline during aging.