Measuring cognitive performance in way that incorporates the concept of active and healthy ageing (AHA)

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate that the mental-cognitive domain of the validated generic bio-functional status (BFS)/bio-functional age (BFA) assessment tool reflects cognitive performance, and so meets the needs of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP-AHA). STUDY DESIGN: Monocenter, cross-sectional, observational, non-interventional trial (Bern Cohort Study 2014, BeCS-14) (Cantonal Ethics Committee, KEK-BE 023112). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ratings on the mental-cognitive BFS domain and on a validated cognitive performance test battery (Inventar der Gedächtnisdiagnostik; IGD) in 47 healthy, educated, middle-class, midlife men and women. RESULTS: Mean cognitive performance was average in younger, and higher in better-educated individuals. Participants' BFA was 8.9 ± 6.6 year-equivalents below their chronological age. Subjects who performed better in the IGD (sub)domains also performed better in the BFS cognitive-mental function subdomain. Correlation analysis of the ratings in the BFS cognitive-mental function subdomain and total score on the IGD revealed that the highest correlations were achieved by the BFS parameters cognitive switching capability (r=-0.56, p < 0.001), strategic thinking (r=-0.49, p < 0.001), changeover capability (r=-0.50, p < 0.001) and stepping-stone-maze test (r=-0.51, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ratings on the BFS cognitive-mental function subdomain correlated well with scores on a validated questionnaire for cognition assessment, the IGD. Therefore, the BFS/BFA assessment tool meets the needs of the EIP-AHA.