Cerebral microbleeds and lacunar infarcts are associated with walking speed independent of cognitive performance in middle-aged to older adults

Abstract

Background: The positive relationship between cognitive and physical performance has been widely established. The influence of brain structure on both domains has been shown as well. Objective: We studied whether the relationship between brain structure and physical performance is independent of cognitive performance. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of 297 middle-aged to older adults (mean age ± SD 65.4 ± 6.8 years). Memory function, executive function and physical performance measured by the Tandem Stance Test, Chair Stand Test, 4-meter walk and 25-meter walk were assessed. Magnetic resonance imaging was available in 237 participants and used to determine the (sub)cortical gray..