High perceived energy: exploring distinct patterns of energetic and cognitive functioning in older adults - Report - MDSpire

High perceived energy: exploring distinct patterns of energetic and cognitive functioning in older adults

  • By

  • Orsola Marra

  • Diego Primavera

  • Giulia Cossu

  • Alessandra Perra

  • Michela Atzeni

  • Elisa Pintus

  • Massimo Tusconi

  • Gianluca Castelnuovo

  • Maria Veronica Brasesco

  • Gustavo Mausel

  • Mauro Giovanni Carta

  • July 15, 2026

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Clinical Report: Investigating Unique Patterns of Energetic and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults

Overview

This study explores the relationship between perceived energy levels and cognitive performance in older adults. It finds that higher perceived energy is associated with better global cognitive performance and fewer depressive symptoms.

Background

Understanding the relationship between perceived energy and cognitive functioning in older adults is crucial. This study aims to examine cognitive performance across different levels of perceived energy.

Data Highlights

MeasureHigher Perceived EnergyLower Perceived EnergyP-value
Global Cognitive Performance (ACE-R)Significantly higherLower0.012
Language SubscaleLower scoresHigher scores0.011
Attention/Orientation SubscaleLower scoresHigher scores0.049
Depressive Symptoms (PHQ-9)Fewer symptomsMore symptoms0.013
Quality of Life (SF-12)Higher qualityLower quality<0.001

Key Findings

  • Higher perceived energy correlates with better global cognitive performance.
  • Individuals with higher perceived energy show significantly lower scores in language and attention/orientation subscales.
  • Fewer depressive symptoms are reported by those with higher perceived energy.
  • Better social and behavioral rhythm regulation is associated with higher perceived energy.
  • Quality of life is significantly higher in older adults with higher perceived energy.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider perceived energy levels when assessing cognitive performance and overall well-being in older adults. Understanding these relationships may help in developing targeted interventions to enhance quality of life.

Conclusion

The study finds that high perceived energy in older adults is linked to better cognitive performance and fewer depressive symptoms.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Depressive symptom patterns in older adults: evidence from two national ageing cohorts
  2. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Identification of the Central Symptoms of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms among Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A network analysis
  3. American Journal of Epidemiology, 2025 -- Reciprocal Relationships Between Physical Activity and Cognitive Function in Adults During Midlife: A 26-Year Longitudinal Study
  4. Alzheimer's Association clinical practice guideline for the Diagnostic Evaluation, Testing, Counseling, and Disclosure of Suspected Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (DETeCD-ADRD): Executive summary of recommendations for primary care - PubMed
  5. Integrated care for older people (ICOPE): guidance for person-centred assessment and pathways in primary care, 2nd ed
  6. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Joint Trajectories of Objective Physical Function and Cognition and Risk of Incident Dementia: A Population-Based Cohort Study
  7. Structured vs Self-Guided Multidomain Lifestyle Interventions for Global Cognitive Function: The US POINTER Randomized Clinical Trial
  8. Effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
  9. Alzheimer's Association clinical practice guideline for the Diagnostic Evaluation, Testing, Counseling, and Disclosure of Suspected Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (DETeCD-ADRD): Executive summary of recommendations for primary care - PubMed
  10. Integrated care for older people (‎ICOPE)‎: guidance for person-centred assessment and pathways in primary care, 2nd ed
  11. An online multidomain lifestyle intervention to prevent cognitive decline in at-risk older adults: a randomized controlled trial | Nature Medicine
  12. The effect of social interaction intervention on cognitive functions among non‐demented older adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis - Wei - 2024 - Alzheimer's & Dementia - Wiley Online Library
  13. Vitality in older adults: A state-of-the-science review - ScienceDirect
  14. Predicting poor performance on cognitive tests among older adults using wearable device data and machine learning: a feasibility study | npj Aging

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