Hand grip strength, anthropometrics and cognitive decline

Background Hand grip strength is a well validated measure of physical strength, while anthropometric measures such as weight, waist, hip and mid upper arm circumference, are well validated to determine physical health. The present analysis investigated the relationship between hand grip strength, anthropometric measures and dementia incidence in 70–90‐year‐old men residing in Northern Ireland (NI). Method The PRIME‐COG study is nested in PRIME (Prospective Epidemiological Study of Myocardial Infarction), a cohort study of men in NI. In the most recent follow up for PRIME‐COG, men underwent a comprehensive cognitive assessment from which a consensus diagnosis of normal cognitive function, MCI or dementia was made by experienced clinical researchers. Hand grip strength and anthropometrics measures were also recorded. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the association between hand grip strength and anthropometric measures and cognitive endpoints. Result The analysis identified that low hand grip strength was associated with dementia and/or MCI, although this did not reach statistical significance (OR 1.39, p = 0.18). In the anthropometric measures, a significant relationship was observed between hip circumference and dementia and/or MCI at PRIME‐COG follow up (OR 0.93, p = 0.01), whereas BMI was non‐significantly associated (OR 1.22, p = 0.58). The remaining anthropometric measures investigated were not found to hold any significant relationships with the cognitive outcomes. Conclusion Within a cohort of older men residing in NI, low hand grip strength was associated with a 39% increased risk of dementia or MCI, although this was not statistically significant. In anthropometric measures, hip circumference was found to be significantly negatively associated with a 7% reduced risk of dementia or MCI, while BMI was associated with a 22% increased risk, which again was not of statistical significance. The present study helps further contribute to the evidence base that physical well‐being is associated with cognitive function.