B – 86 Associations between physical performance and executive functioning among a multiethnic cohort of older adults enrolled in the HABS-HD study

Abstract Objective Although physical functioning has been associated with cognitive outcomes in older adults, less is known about whether these associations are consistently observed within racial/ethnically diverse groups. Given disparities in both physical and cognitive health, we aimed to examine the association between physical performance and executive functioning (EF) among Mexican American (MAs), Non-Hispanic Black (NHBs), and Non-Hispanic White (NHWs) older adults in the Healthy Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities (HABS-HD). Method Our sample included 1,148 MAs (mean age = 62.76), 708 NHBs (mean age = 62.69), and 1154 NHWs (mean age = 68.39) with and without mild cognitive impairment. Multiple linear regression analyses stratified by race/ethnicity assessed the relationship between physical functioning measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery and Timed Up and Go test and an EF composite. Results After controlling age, years of education, sex/gender, and vascular burden, among NHBs, higher SPPB scores (β = 0.07, p < .001) and shorter TUG times (β = −0.05, p < .001) were significantly associated with better EF. Among MAs, higher SPPB scores (β = 0.06, p < .001) and shorter TUG times (β = −0.04, p < .001) were significantly associated with better EF. Among NHWs, higher SPPB scores (β = 0.06, p < .001) and shorter TUG times (β = −0.03, p < .001) were significantly associated with better EF. Conclusion Findings provide evidence that physical performance is associated with EF across diverse racial/ethnic adults. This suggests that improving physical health may serve as a key intervention for maintaining cognitive function in late life.