Differences in lifestyle factors based on latent class analysis cognitive profiles in non‐demented older adults

Background Modifiable lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity are associated with cognitive function in aging adults. However, less is known regarding the intersection between lifestyle factors and cognitive heterogeneity in this same population. Understanding the types of dietary and physical activity patterns that are associated with differing cognitive profiles in normal aging could provide clinically meaningful data to promote cognitive health. Therefore, we characterized cognitive subgroups within a community‐dwelling sample of non‐demented, non‐depressed older adults and examined whether resulting cognitive subgroups differed on dietary and physical activity measures. Method 121 non‐demented, non‐depressed participants (M age=67.69; 49.6% female; 60% minority; MMSE=28.62) completed a neuropsychological evaluation. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) utilizing six cognitive scores (CVLT Delayed Free Recall & Recognition Discriminability, ‘Animal’ and Letter Fluency, Letter‐Number Sequencing, & Boston Naming) revealed 4 cognitive subgroups with 1) high‐normal cognition (50.4%); 2) normal cognition (25.6%); 3) poor memory (15.7%); and 4) poor executive functioning (8.3%). A subset of participants completed the Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire and CHAMPS Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults (n=96), and the Food Frequency Questionnaire (n=89). Weekly sedentary behavior and weekly moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) total scores and a FFQ‐derived Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) score were calculated according to published criteria. Differences between the four cognitive subgroups and these lifestyle variables were examined using ANCOVA adjusting for age, sex, race, word reading, depressive symptoms, and body mass index. Result There was a significant difference between cognitive subgroups (p=.016) for MedDiet consumption. Post‐hoc analyses revealed participants with high‐normal cognition had higher MedDiet scores than those with normal cognition (p=.001). There were no significant differences between cognitive subgroups for sedentary behavior (p=.695) or MVPA (p=.731) scores. Conclusion LCA‐defined cognitive subgroups within non‐demented, non‐depressed older adults showed group differences in MedDiet consumption (participants with high‐normal cognition greater than those with normal cognition). No group differences were seen with sedentary behavior or physical activity. When choosing ‘one thing’ to advise non‐demented, non‐depressed