Neighbourhood walkability in relation to cognitive functioning in patients with disorders along the heart-brain axis. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Timmermans, Erik J.; Leeuwis, Anna E.; Bots, Michiel L.; van Alphen, Juliette L.; Biessels, Geert Jan; Brunner-La Rocca, Hans-Peter; Kappelle, L. Jaap; van Rossum, Albert C.; van Osch, Matthias J.P.; Vaartjes, Ilonca
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 79(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Built environment -- Carotid occlusive disease -- Cognitive impairment -- Heart failure -- Vascular cognitive impairment; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102956
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: This study examined associations of neighbourhood walkability with cognitive functioning (i.e., global cognition, memory, language, attention-psychomotor speed, and executive functioning) in participants without or with either heart failure, carotid occlusive disease, or vascular cognitive impairment. Neighbourhood walkability at baseline was positively associated with global cognition and attention-psychomotor speed. These associations were stronger in patients with vascular cognitive impairment. Individuals who live in residential areas with higher walkability levels were less likely to have impairments in language and executive functioning at two-year follow-up. These findings highlight the importance of the built environment for cognitive functioning in healthy and vulnerable groups. Highlights: We assessed associations of neighbourhood walkability with cognitive functioning. We did this in reference participants and various heart-brain axis patient groups. Walkability was positively cross-sectionally associated with global cognition. Higher walkability lowered the odds of impaired executive functioning at follow-up. Some associations were stronger in patients with vascular cognitive impairment.