Measures of physical performance as mediators between personality and cognition in two prospective studies.

TitleMeasures of physical performance as mediators between personality and cognition in two prospective studies.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsStephan, Y, Sutin, AR, Luchetti, M, Aschwanden, D, Cabibel, V, Terracciano, A
JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
Volume107
Pagination104902
ISSN Number1872-6976
KeywordsCognition, Personality, Physical Functional Performance
Abstract

Few studies have examined the pathways linking personality to cognition. This study aimed to examine whether measures of physical performance (gait speed, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and grip strength) mediated the association between five-factor model personality traits and cognition (memory performance, subjective memory, and informant-rated cognition). Participants were aged 57 to 95 years from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS, N = 4,109) and the English Longitudinal Study of ageing (ELSA, N = 3,584). In HRS, personality and demographic factors were assessed in 2008/2010, physical performance in 2012/2014, and memory performance and subjective memory in 2016/2018. Informant-rated cognition was obtained in 2016 for an HRS subsample. In ELSA, personality and demographic factors were assessed in 2010/2011, physical performance in 2012/2013, and objective and subjective memory in 2014/2015. Informant-rated cognition was obtained in 2018 for an ELSA subsample. With a few exceptions, replicable patterns of mediation were found across HRS and ELSA. Slower gait speed partially mediated the association between higher neuroticism, lower conscientiousness and worse scores on all three cognitive measures (memory performance, subjective memory, and informant-rated cognition). Slower gait also partially mediated the association between openness and both objective and subjective memory. There was less replicable evidence for a mediating role of PEF and grip strength. The present study advances knowledge on the pathways linking personality to cognition in older adults and supports the hypothesis that personality associations with better physical function can help support healthy cognitive aging.

DOI10.1016/j.archger.2022.104902
Citation Key12967
PubMed ID36592492
PubMed Central IDPMC9975024
Grant ListR01 AG053297 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
R01 AG068093 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States