Measuring cognitive performance incorporating the Active and Healthy Ageing (AHA) concept

Abstract

Objectives: To demonstrate that the mental-cognitive domain of the validated generic biofunctional
status (BFS)/bio-functional age (BFA) assessment tool reflects cognitive
performance, thus meeting the needs of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and
Healthy Ageing (EIP-AHA).

Study design

Monocenter, cross-sectional, observational, non-interventional trial (Bern
Cohort Study 2014, BeCS-14) (Cantonal Ethics Committee, KEK-BE: 023112).
Main outcome measures: Correlation analysis between the mental-cognitive BFS domain and
a validated cognitive performance test battery (IGD) in 47 healthy, educated, middle-class,
midlife men and women.

Results

Mean cognitive performance level was average, and higher in younger or better
educated individuals, respectively. Participants’ BFA was 8.96.6 year-equivalents below
their chronological age. Subjects that performed better in the IGD (sub)domains also
performed better in the BFS cognitive-mental function subdomain. Correlation analysis
between the BFS cognitive-mental function subdomain and the IGD revealed that the single
BFS parameters cognitive switching capability (IGD total score r=-0.56, p<0.001), strategic
thinking (IGD total score r=-0.49, p<0.001), changeover capability (IGD total score r=-0.50,
p<0.001) and stepping-stone-maze test (IGD total score r=-0.51, p<0.001) correlated best, that
was significantly positively with all IGD subdomains.

Conclusions

The BFS cognitive-mental function subdomain correlated well with the
validated questionnaire for cognition assessment, IGD. Therefore, the BFS/BFA assessment
tool including its cognitive-mental function subdomain meets EIP-AHA needs.

Key words

European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP-AHA), bio-functional
status, bio-functional age, cognition, Inventar der Gedächtnisdiagnostik (IGD), Bern Cohort
Study 2014, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)