Scientific Reports · Nov 7, 2026
Cognitive impairment is associated with lower extremity function among community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan
By Liang IJ, Lin L, Tseng WC et al.
Cognitive impairment is associated with poorer physical function in older adults, yet its relationship with different dimensions of lower-extremity function remains underexplored in community-dwelling populations. This study examined associations between cognitive status and lower-extremity function among community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 82 adults aged 60 years and older. Cognitive status was assessed using the Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS) together with physician assessment, with participants classified as having normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia. Lower-extremity function was evaluated using standardised measures of lower-body strength (30-second chair stand), flexibility (chair sit-and-reach), agility and dynamic balance (8-foot up-and-go), and postural stability (Biodex BioSway system). Significant differences in physical performance were observed across cognitive groups, with participants with dementia demonstrating poorer lower-body strength, flexibility, agility/dynamic balance, and selected measures of postural stability compared with those with normal cognition and MCI (p < 0.05). Higher SLUMS scores, indicating better global cognitive performance, were associated with better lower-body strength and flexibility, faster 8-foot up-and-go performance, and better performance on several postural stability measures (p < 0.05). These cross-sectional findings demonstrate associations between cognitive performance and multiple dimensions of lower-extremity function in community-dwelling older adults. Performance-based assessment of lower-extremity function alongside cognitive assessment may help characterise functional differences across levels of cognitive impairment, although longitudinal studies are required to determine whether these measures have value in predicting subsequent functional or cognitive decline.