Researchers studied 290 older adults (mostly women, average age 75) to see if a quick body composition test could help identify early signs of memory loss. They used a painless electrical test called bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure something called “phase angle,” which reflects how well cells are working. They found that people with early memory problems had lower phase angle measurements, especially in their legs. This suggests that this simple, non-invasive test might become a useful tool for doctors to spot memory problems early, before they become more serious.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a simple electrical body test (that measures how well your cells are working) could help doctors identify people with early memory problems
  • Who participated: 290 community-living older adults, mostly women (84%), with an average age of 75 years. About 168 of them had early memory problems
  • Key finding: People with early memory problems had noticeably lower electrical readings in their legs compared to those with normal memory. The difference was statistically significant, meaning it’s unlikely to be due to chance
  • What it means for you: This test might become a simple, quick way for doctors to screen for early memory problems. However, this is early research, and we need more studies to confirm whether this test actually helps prevent or slow down memory loss

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers looked at a large group of people at one point in time and compared those with memory problems to those without. The researchers measured something called “phase angle” using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)—a painless test where a small electrical current passes through your body to measure how well your cells are functioning. They also gave participants a memory test (the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) to identify who had early memory problems. They then used statistical analysis to see if phase angle measurements could predict who had memory problems, while accounting for other factors that might affect the results.

This approach is important because it looks for a simple, objective physical marker that might indicate early memory problems. Unlike memory tests that require training to administer, this electrical test is quick and standardized. If phase angle proves useful, it could help doctors identify people at risk for serious memory loss before symptoms become obvious, potentially allowing for earlier intervention

The study had a reasonably large sample size (290 participants) and adjusted for confounding factors. However, because this is a cross-sectional study, it only shows a connection between phase angle and memory problems—it doesn’t prove that low phase angle causes memory problems or that improving phase angle will help memory. The study was conducted in Japan with mostly female participants, so results may not apply equally to all populations. The researchers themselves noted that longer-term studies are needed to confirm these findings

What the Results Show

The main finding was that people with early memory problems had significantly lower phase angle measurements in their legs compared to those with normal memory (p = 0.013, meaning there’s only about a 1.3% chance this difference occurred by random chance). When researchers used statistical modeling to predict memory problems based on phase angle while accounting for other factors, leg phase angle remained significantly associated with memory problems. The statistical model explained about 50% of the variation in memory problems, suggesting phase angle is one of several factors involved. This was a notable finding because it suggests a simple, objective physical measurement might help identify early memory problems

The study focused primarily on leg phase angle as the key measurement. While the abstract doesn’t detail other body measurements, the use of bioelectrical impedance analysis typically provides information about overall body composition, water distribution, and cellular health. The fact that leg measurements were particularly significant suggests that lower body cellular function may be especially relevant to cognitive health

This research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that overall cellular health and body composition may be connected to brain function. Phase angle has been studied as a marker of cellular health in various conditions, but its connection to early memory problems is relatively new. This study provides some of the first evidence that this simple test might help identify cognitive decline, though more research is needed to confirm and expand on these findings

This study has several important limitations: First, it’s cross-sectional, so it shows only a snapshot in time and cannot prove that low phase angle causes memory problems. Second, the study included mostly women (84%) and was conducted in Japan, so results may not apply equally to men or other populations. Third, we don’t know if improving phase angle would actually help prevent or slow memory loss—that would require intervention studies. Fourth, the study doesn’t explain why phase angle and memory problems are connected. Finally, this is a single study, and the findings need to be confirmed by other researchers before being widely used in clinical practice

The Bottom Line

Based on this single study, we cannot yet recommend using phase angle testing as a routine screening tool for memory problems. However, this research suggests it’s worth investigating further. If you’re concerned about memory changes, talk to your doctor about cognitive screening—traditional memory tests remain the standard approach. Maintaining overall health through exercise, good nutrition, sleep, and mental activity remains the best evidence-based approach to supporting brain health

This research is most relevant to older adults concerned about memory changes, healthcare providers looking for new screening tools, and researchers studying the connection between physical health and brain function. People with a family history of memory problems or those experiencing memory concerns should discuss screening options with their doctor. This research is not yet ready to change clinical practice, but it opens an interesting new avenue for investigation

This is early-stage research. Even if phase angle testing proves useful, it would likely take several more years of research before it becomes a standard screening tool. Don’t expect changes to medical practice based on this single study. If you’re concerned about memory, focus on proven strategies like staying mentally active, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and getting adequate sleep

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If users have access to bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements (through a gym, doctor’s office, or home device), track phase angle measurements monthly alongside cognitive activities. Record the date, phase angle reading (especially leg measurements), and cognitive activities performed that week
  • Users can use this research as motivation to maintain or improve overall body composition and cellular health through consistent exercise and nutrition. While phase angle improvement hasn’t been proven to help memory, maintaining physical fitness is independently beneficial for brain health. Users could set goals for regular aerobic exercise (150 minutes weekly) and strength training, which support both physical and cognitive health
  • For long-term tracking, users should monitor cognitive function through regular memory assessments (available through doctors or cognitive training apps) alongside any available body composition metrics. Track lifestyle factors known to support brain health: exercise frequency, sleep quality, diet quality, and social engagement. This creates a comprehensive picture of overall health rather than relying on any single marker

This research is preliminary and should not be used as a basis for medical decisions. Phase angle testing is not currently recommended as a standard screening tool for memory problems. If you’re experiencing memory concerns, consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis. This article summarizes research findings but does not constitute medical advice. Always discuss any health concerns with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine or seeking new diagnostic tests.