Participants were carefully screened for physical and mental health by extensive interviews and questionnaires, physical examinations and laboratory tests. In this context, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological and mobility disorders were carefully excluded. Depressive symptoms at t1 were determined with Zung’s Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Psychiatric disorders were assessed clinically and by using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R.

Neuropsychological test battery

The neuropsychological test battery was administered by professional psychologists. Severity of cognitive deficits was assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). In ddition, the subtest “logical memory“ of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) and the Trail Making Test (TMT) were applied to address memory and learning, as well as attention and cognitive flexibility. Additional neuropsychological tests were derived from the “Nurnberger-Alters-Inventar” and the ”Leistungsprüfsystem”, which are commonly used test batteries in Germany. The following subtests were applied for the present study: Memory – immediate word list recall, delayed word list recognition; Visuospatial functioning – spatial orientation, block design; Verbal comprehension – information subtest; Abstract thinking – similarities subtest; Speed – number-connection test; Attention/concentration – D21. In order to assess functional decline, subjects completed a self-rating scale within the “Nürnberger-Alters-Inventar” where they were asked to indicate recent cognitive and/or functional decline. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was diagnosed according to the aging associated cognitive decline (AACD) criteria; mild cognitive disorder (MCD) using ICD-10 criteria. For the diagnosis of AD and vascular Dementia (VaD) the NINCDS-ADRDA and the NINDS-AIREN criteria were applied. All diagnoses were undertaken by a consensus conference consisting of two specialists in psychiatry under supervision of a specialist in Old Age Psychiatry.

Assessment of subjective physical activity
PA was assessed with a questionnaire at t1. Participants were asked about their current and past sport activities as well as the relative frequency and duration. Subjects were classified
as physically active if they reported at least one sport activity, for at least once a week for two hours over any year-long interval.

Assessment of objective physical fitness
Physical fitness (PF) combines cardio-respiratory and muscular endurance, muscle strength, body composition, and flexibility. Performance on the “one foot balance test” (OFBT) served as an objective skill-related indicator of PF in our study. Muscular strength was assessed with the aid of the “Martin-Vigorimeter”. Maximum grip strength was defined as the best individual result out of the four trials. The widely used “Body-Mass Index” (BMI) served as an additional objective healthrelated indicator of PF measuring body composition.

Participants were carefully screened for physical and mental health by extensive interviews and questionnaires, physical examinations and laboratory tests. In this context, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological and mobility disorders were carefully excluded. Depressive symptoms at t1 were determined with Zung’s Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Psychiatric disorders were assessed clinically and by using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R.

Neuropsychological test battery

The neuropsychological test battery was administered by professional psychologists. Severity of cognitive deficits was assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). In ddition, the subtest “logical memory“ of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) and the Trail Making Test (TMT) were applied to address memory and learning, as well as attention and cognitive flexibility. Additional neuropsychological tests were derived from the “Nurnberger-Alters-Inventar” and the ”Leistungsprüfsystem”, which are commonly used test batteries in Germany. The following subtests were applied for the present study: Memory – immediate word list recall, delayed word list recognition; Visuospatial functioning – spatial orientation, block design; Verbal comprehension – information subtest; Abstract thinking – similarities subtest; Speed – number-connection test; Attention/concentration – D21. In order to assess functional decline, subjects completed a self-rating scale within the “Nürnberger-Alters-Inventar” where they were asked to indicate recent cognitive and/or functional decline. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was diagnosed according to the aging associated cognitive decline (AACD) criteria; mild cognitive disorder (MCD) using ICD-10 criteria. For the diagnosis of AD and vascular Dementia (VaD) the NINCDS-ADRDA and the NINDS-AIREN criteria were applied. All diagnoses were undertaken by a consensus conference consisting of two specialists in psychiatry under supervision of a specialist in Old Age Psychiatry.

Assessment of subjective physical activity
PA was assessed with a questionnaire at t1. Participants were asked about their current and past sport activities as well as the relative frequency and duration. Subjects were classified
as physically active if they reported at least one sport activity, for at least once a week for two hours over any year-long interval.

Assessment of objective physical fitness
Physical fitness (PF) combines cardio-respiratory and muscular endurance, muscle strength, body composition, and flexibility. Performance on the “one foot balance test” (OFBT) served as an objective skill-related indicator of PF in our study. Muscular strength was assessed with the aid of the “Martin-Vigorimeter”. Maximum grip strength was defined as the best individual result out of the four trials. The widely used “Body-Mass Index” (BMI) served as an additional objective healthrelated indicator of PF measuring body composition.

Participants were carefully screened for physical and mental health by extensive interviews and questionnaires, physical examinations and laboratory tests. In this context, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological and mobility disorders were carefully excluded. Depressive symptoms at t1 were determined with Zung’s Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Psychiatric disorders were assessed clinically and by using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R.

Neuropsychological test battery

The neuropsychological test battery was administered by professional psychologists. Severity of cognitive deficits was assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). In ddition, the subtest “logical memory“ of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) and the Trail Making Test (TMT) were applied to address memory and learning, as well as attention and cognitive flexibility. Additional neuropsychological tests were derived from the “Nurnberger-Alters-Inventar” and the ”Leistungsprüfsystem”, which are commonly used test batteries in Germany. The following subtests were applied for the present study: Memory – immediate word list recall, delayed word list recognition; Visuospatial functioning – spatial orientation, block design; Verbal comprehension – information subtest; Abstract thinking – similarities subtest; Speed – number-connection test; Attention/concentration – D21. In order to assess functional decline, subjects completed a self-rating scale within the “Nürnberger-Alters-Inventar” where they were asked to indicate recent cognitive and/or functional decline. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was diagnosed according to the aging associated cognitive decline (AACD) criteria; mild cognitive disorder (MCD) using ICD-10 criteria. For the diagnosis of AD and vascular Dementia (VaD) the NINCDS-ADRDA and the NINDS-AIREN criteria were applied. All diagnoses were undertaken by a consensus conference consisting of two specialists in psychiatry under supervision of a specialist in Old Age Psychiatry.

Assessment of subjective physical activity
PA was assessed with a questionnaire at t1. Participants were asked about their current and past sport activities as well as the relative frequency and duration. Subjects were classified
as physically active if they reported at least one sport activity, for at least once a week for two hours over any year-long interval.

Assessment of objective physical fitness
Physical fitness (PF) combines cardio-respiratory and muscular endurance, muscle strength, body composition, and flexibility. Performance on the “one foot balance test” (OFBT) served as an objective skill-related indicator of PF in our study. Muscular strength was assessed with the aid of the “Martin-Vigorimeter”. Maximum grip strength was defined as the best individual result out of the four trials. The widely used “Body-Mass Index” (BMI) served as an additional objective healthrelated indicator of PF measuring body composition.

Participants were carefully screened for physical and mental health by extensive interviews and questionnaires, physical examinations and laboratory tests. In this context, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological and mobility disorders were carefully excluded. Depressive symptoms at t1 were determined with Zung’s Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Psychiatric disorders were assessed clinically and by using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R.

Neuropsychological test battery

The neuropsychological test battery was administered by professional psychologists. Severity of cognitive deficits was assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). In ddition, the subtest “logical memory“ of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) and the Trail Making Test (TMT) were applied to address memory and learning, as well as attention and cognitive flexibility. Additional neuropsychological tests were derived from the “Nurnberger-Alters-Inventar” and the ”Leistungsprüfsystem”, which are commonly used test batteries in Germany. The following subtests were applied for the present study: Memory – immediate word list recall, delayed word list recognition; Visuospatial functioning – spatial orientation, block design; Verbal comprehension – information subtest; Abstract thinking – similarities subtest; Speed – number-connection test; Attention/concentration – D21. In order to assess functional decline, subjects completed a self-rating scale within the “Nürnberger-Alters-Inventar” where they were asked to indicate recent cognitive and/or functional decline. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was diagnosed according to the aging associated cognitive decline (AACD) criteria; mild cognitive disorder (MCD) using ICD-10 criteria. For the diagnosis of AD and vascular Dementia (VaD) the NINCDS-ADRDA and the NINDS-AIREN criteria were applied. All diagnoses were undertaken by a consensus conference consisting of two specialists in psychiatry under supervision of a specialist in Old Age Psychiatry.

Assessment of subjective physical activity
PA was assessed with a questionnaire at t1. Participants were asked about their current and past sport activities as well as the relative frequency and duration. Subjects were classified
as physically active if they reported at least one sport activity, for at least once a week for two hours over any year-long interval.

Assessment of objective physical fitness
Physical fitness (PF) combines cardio-respiratory and muscular endurance, muscle strength, body composition, and flexibility. Performance on the “one foot balance test” (OFBT) served as an objective skill-related indicator of PF in our study. Muscular strength was assessed with the aid of the “Martin-Vigorimeter”. Maximum grip strength was defined as the best individual result out of the four trials. The widely used “Body-Mass Index” (BMI) served as an additional objective healthrelated indicator of PF measuring body composition.

Participants were carefully screened for physical and mental health by extensive interviews and questionnaires, physical examinations and laboratory tests. In this context, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological and mobility disorders were carefully excluded. Depressive symptoms at t1 were determined with Zung’s Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Psychiatric disorders were assessed clinically and by using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R.

Neuropsychological test battery

The neuropsychological test battery was administered by professional psychologists. Severity of cognitive deficits was assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). In ddition, the subtest “logical memory“ of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) and the Trail Making Test (TMT) were applied to address memory and learning, as well as attention and cognitive flexibility. Additional neuropsychological tests were derived from the “Nurnberger-Alters-Inventar” and the ”Leistungsprüfsystem”, which are commonly used test batteries in Germany. The following subtests were applied for the present study: Memory – immediate word list recall, delayed word list recognition; Visuospatial functioning – spatial orientation, block design; Verbal comprehension – information subtest; Abstract thinking – similarities subtest; Speed – number-connection test; Attention/concentration – D21. In order to assess functional decline, subjects completed a self-rating scale within the “Nürnberger-Alters-Inventar” where they were asked to indicate recent cognitive and/or functional decline. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was diagnosed according to the aging associated cognitive decline (AACD) criteria; mild cognitive disorder (MCD) using ICD-10 criteria. For the diagnosis of AD and vascular Dementia (VaD) the NINCDS-ADRDA and the NINDS-AIREN criteria were applied. All diagnoses were undertaken by a consensus conference consisting of two specialists in psychiatry under supervision of a specialist in Old Age Psychiatry.

Assessment of subjective physical activity
PA was assessed with a questionnaire at t1. Participants were asked about their current and past sport activities as well as the relative frequency and duration. Subjects were classified
as physically active if they reported at least one sport activity, for at least once a week for two hours over any year-long interval.

Assessment of objective physical fitness
Physical fitness (PF) combines cardio-respiratory and muscular endurance, muscle strength, body composition, and flexibility. Performance on the “one foot balance test” (OFBT) served as an objective skill-related indicator of PF in our study. Muscular strength was assessed with the aid of the “Martin-Vigorimeter”. Maximum grip strength was defined as the best individual result out of the four trials. The widely used “Body-Mass Index” (BMI) served as an additional objective healthrelated indicator of PF measuring body composition.

Participants were carefully screened for physical and mental health by extensive interviews and questionnaires, physical examinations and laboratory tests. In this context, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological and mobility disorders were carefully excluded. Depressive symptoms at t1 were determined with Zung’s Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Psychiatric disorders were assessed clinically and by using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R.

Neuropsychological test battery

The neuropsychological test battery was administered by professional psychologists. Severity of cognitive deficits was assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). In ddition, the subtest “logical memory“ of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) and the Trail Making Test (TMT) were applied to address memory and learning, as well as attention and cognitive flexibility. Additional neuropsychological tests were derived from the “Nurnberger-Alters-Inventar” and the ”Leistungsprüfsystem”, which are commonly used test batteries in Germany. The following subtests were applied for the present study: Memory – immediate word list recall, delayed word list recognition; Visuospatial functioning – spatial orientation, block design; Verbal comprehension – information subtest; Abstract thinking – similarities subtest; Speed – number-connection test; Attention/concentration – D21. In order to assess functional decline, subjects completed a self-rating scale within the “Nürnberger-Alters-Inventar” where they were asked to indicate recent cognitive and/or functional decline. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was diagnosed according to the aging associated cognitive decline (AACD) criteria; mild cognitive disorder (MCD) using ICD-10 criteria. For the diagnosis of AD and vascular Dementia (VaD) the NINCDS-ADRDA and the NINDS-AIREN criteria were applied. All diagnoses were undertaken by a consensus conference consisting of two specialists in psychiatry under supervision of a specialist in Old Age Psychiatry.

Assessment of subjective physical activity
PA was assessed with a questionnaire at t1. Participants were asked about their current and past sport activities as well as the relative frequency and duration. Subjects were classified
as physically active if they reported at least one sport activity, for at least once a week for two hours over any year-long interval.

Assessment of objective physical fitness
Physical fitness (PF) combines cardio-respiratory and muscular endurance, muscle strength, body composition, and flexibility. Performance on the “one foot balance test” (OFBT) served as an objective skill-related indicator of PF in our study. Muscular strength was assessed with the aid of the “Martin-Vigorimeter”. Maximum grip strength was defined as the best individual result out of the four trials. The widely used “Body-Mass Index” (BMI) served as an additional objective healthrelated indicator of PF measuring body composition.

Participants were carefully screened for physical and mental health by extensive interviews and questionnaires, physical examinations and laboratory tests. In this context, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological and mobility disorders were carefully excluded. Depressive symptoms at t1 were determined with Zung’s Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Psychiatric disorders were assessed clinically and by using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R.

Neuropsychological test battery

The neuropsychological test battery was administered by professional psychologists. Severity of cognitive deficits was assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). In ddition, the subtest “logical memory“ of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) and the Trail Making Test (TMT) were applied to address memory and learning, as well as attention and cognitive flexibility. Additional neuropsychological tests were derived from the “Nurnberger-Alters-Inventar” and the ”Leistungsprüfsystem”, which are commonly used test batteries in Germany. The following subtests were applied for the present study: Memory – immediate word list recall, delayed word list recognition; Visuospatial functioning – spatial orientation, block design; Verbal comprehension – information subtest; Abstract thinking – similarities subtest; Speed – number-connection test; Attention/concentration – D21. In order to assess functional decline, subjects completed a self-rating scale within the “Nürnberger-Alters-Inventar” where they were asked to indicate recent cognitive and/or functional decline. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was diagnosed according to the aging associated cognitive decline (AACD) criteria; mild cognitive disorder (MCD) using ICD-10 criteria. For the diagnosis of AD and vascular Dementia (VaD) the NINCDS-ADRDA and the NINDS-AIREN criteria were applied. All diagnoses were undertaken by a consensus conference consisting of two specialists in psychiatry under supervision of a specialist in Old Age Psychiatry.

Assessment of subjective physical activity
PA was assessed with a questionnaire at t1. Participants were asked about their current and past sport activities as well as the relative frequency and duration. Subjects were classified
as physically active if they reported at least one sport activity, for at least once a week for two hours over any year-long interval.

Assessment of objective physical fitness
Physical fitness (PF) combines cardio-respiratory and muscular endurance, muscle strength, body composition, and flexibility. Performance on the “one foot balance test” (OFBT) served as an objective skill-related indicator of PF in our study. Muscular strength was assessed with the aid of the “Martin-Vigorimeter”. Maximum grip strength was defined as the best individual result out of the four trials. The widely used “Body-Mass Index” (BMI) served as an additional objective healthrelated indicator of PF measuring body composition.

Participants were carefully screened for physical and mental health by extensive interviews and questionnaires, physical examinations and laboratory tests. In this context, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological and mobility disorders were carefully excluded. Depressive symptoms at t1 were determined with Zung’s Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Psychiatric disorders were assessed clinically and by using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R.

Neuropsychological test battery

The neuropsychological test battery was administered by professional psychologists. Severity of cognitive deficits was assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). In ddition, the subtest “logical memory“ of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) and the Trail Making Test (TMT) were applied to address memory and learning, as well as attention and cognitive flexibility. Additional neuropsychological tests were derived from the “Nurnberger-Alters-Inventar” and the ”Leistungsprüfsystem”, which are commonly used test batteries in Germany. The following subtests were applied for the present study: Memory – immediate word list recall, delayed word list recognition; Visuospatial functioning – spatial orientation, block design; Verbal comprehension – information subtest; Abstract thinking – similarities subtest; Speed – number-connection test; Attention/concentration – D21. In order to assess functional decline, subjects completed a self-rating scale within the “Nürnberger-Alters-Inventar” where they were asked to indicate recent cognitive and/or functional decline. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was diagnosed according to the aging associated cognitive decline (AACD) criteria; mild cognitive disorder (MCD) using ICD-10 criteria. For the diagnosis of AD and vascular Dementia (VaD) the NINCDS-ADRDA and the NINDS-AIREN criteria were applied. All diagnoses were undertaken by a consensus conference consisting of two specialists in psychiatry under supervision of a specialist in Old Age Psychiatry.

Assessment of subjective physical activity
PA was assessed with a questionnaire at t1. Participants were asked about their current and past sport activities as well as the relative frequency and duration. Subjects were classified
as physically active if they reported at least one sport activity, for at least once a week for two hours over any year-long interval.

Assessment of objective physical fitness
Physical fitness (PF) combines cardio-respiratory and muscular endurance, muscle strength, body composition, and flexibility. Performance on the “one foot balance test” (OFBT) served as an objective skill-related indicator of PF in our study. Muscular strength was assessed with the aid of the “Martin-Vigorimeter”. Maximum grip strength was defined as the best individual result out of the four trials. The widely used “Body-Mass Index” (BMI) served as an additional objective healthrelated indicator of PF measuring body composition.