Similarly to cognition and sensory abilities, motor abilities (as speed and power) and physical performance also decline with age. Moreover, it appears that these motor and physical declines may be associated with declines in cognition133 and an increased risk of dementia, disability, and death. Earlier we have reviewed studies that suggest

physical activity may be protective against dementia and cognitive decline. However, the physical and motor disabilities that are common in the oldest-old population are likely to prevent them from performing physical activity. These disabilities may well precede cognitive decline, and therefore may reflect common pathways in age-associated Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical mechanisms of physical and cognitive decline. Disability and Activities of Daily Living Comorbidity is very common among the oldest-old. Suffering from neurodegenerative disorder Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical or related medical illness may result in difficulties in carrying out every-day activities. The 90+ Study found that almost all participants had at least one major medical illness

or cardiovascular risk factor, and 62% had two or more.134 In centenarians it was found that, on Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical average, they had more than four chronic conditions or diseases.135 Physical disability, medical illness, and cognitive impairment can all contribute to functional disability, presented as functional losses in activities such as driving and learn more managing financial matters. Therefore, functional disability is expected to be very prevalent in the oldest-old. A study of Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical people aged 84–90 found a minority (23%) of high-functioning subjects with no or only mild disability.136 In addition, the 90+ Study found that, overall, 16.4% became disabled each year, and that the disability incidence increased with age from 8.3% in the 90–94 age group to 25.7% in the 95 years and older age group.134 A widely accepted measure of disability

Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical is the index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL), including basic ADLs (BADLs)137 and instrumental ADLs (IADLs).138 Grades of the BADLs summarize overall performance in self-care tasks, such as bathing, dressing, using the toilet, transferring, continence, and feeding. IADLs include tasks such as housework, taking medication as prescribed, managing money, shopping for groceries, and using technology. aminophylline IADLs consist of tasks which are not necessary for fundamental functioning, but they let an individual live independently in a community.139 IADL independence is one of the defining features that distinguishes normal aging from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia,140 whereas losses in the ability to perform BADL are characteristics of moderate to severe dementia.141 For instance, a positive relationship has been observed between the level of cognitive impairment and the decline in IADLs such as managing money, telephone use, preparing meals, and medications.