Tian, Q., Lee, P. R., Yang, Q., Moore, A. Z., Landman, B. A., Resnick, S. M., & Ferrucci, L. (2024). The mediation roles of intermuscular fat and inflammation in muscle mitochondrial associations with cognition and mobility. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 15(1), 138–148. https://doi.org/10.1002/JCSM.13413
A study from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging investigated the link between skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and its effects on cognitive and mobility outcomes in older adults. Analyzing data from 596 participants, the research found that better mitochondrial function in muscles, indicated by faster post-exercise recovery rates, was associated with improved cognitive functions, particularly in psychomotor speed, and enhanced mobility, including walking speed. Additionally, muscle fat infiltration and certain inflammation markers were found to mediate these relationships, suggesting that both fat in muscles and inflammation could play roles in how muscle health affects cognitive and physical functions. These findings point to potential interventions targeting mitochondrial function to improve both cognitive and mobility outcomes in aging populations.