A scoping review and synthesis of the literature on the relation between mobility impairment and cognitive impairment

The present review examined the evidence for a potentially bidirectional association between mobility function and cognitive function in midlife and older adulthood. In 2023–2024, we conducted a scoping review by carrying out systematic searches on Google Scholar, PubMed, and PsycINFO for articles that included measures of mobility function and cognitive function. Of the 1,504 articles screened, 40 were included for review. The majority of reviewed studies found evidence of a relation between lower mobility function/greater mobility decline and lower cognitive function/greater cognitive decline. Prospective effects were observed in both directions; however, only five studies directly tested the bidirectionality of the association between mobility function and cognitive function. Individuals with lower mobility function may be more likely to experience declines in cognitive function and vice versa. More research is needed to further test the bidirectionality of this association and to identify protective factors that may disrupt this relation and reduce the incidence of co-occurring mobility impairment and cognitive impairment. Prior research suggests that mobility impairment and cognitive impairment are two of the most commonly reported causes of disability; however, the relation between mobility impairment and cognitive impairment is less clear.Our findings suggest that individuals with mobility impairment may be at a higher risk of developing co-occurring cognitive impairment and vice versa.These findings inform rehabilitation professionals of the potential for mobility impairment to impact cognitive function, and vice versa.Being aware of possible co-occurrence of mobility and cognitive impairments and the potential need for additional support may help rehabilitation professionals better support individuals experiencing both mobility and cognitive impairments. Prior research suggests that mobility impairment and cognitive impairment are two of the most commonly reported causes of disability; however, the relation between mobility impairment and cognitive impairment is less clear. Our findings suggest that individuals with mobility impairment may be at a higher risk of developing co-occurring cognitive impairment and vice versa. These findings inform rehabilitation professionals of the potential for mobility impairment to impact cognitive function, and vice versa. Being aware of possible co-occurrence of mobility and cognitive impairments and the potential need for additional support may help rehabilitation professionals better support individuals experiencing both mobility and cognitive impairments.