Link between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Reduced Dementia Risk in Midlife and Older Adults

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine revealed that higher cardiorespiratory fitness in midlife and older adults is linked to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of dementia over time. Individuals in peak cardiorespiratory shape had a 40% lower long-term risk of developing dementia compared to less fit people. The outcome showed that only 128 out of approximately 20,200 individuals with high fitness levels developed dementia, in contrast to 233 individuals in a similarly sized group with low fitness. Additionally, better fitness was associated with a delay of nearly 1.5 years in the onset of dementia.

The study also found that individuals genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease had a 35% lower relative risk of developing dementia if they had high cardiorespiratory fitness. While the exact mechanisms linking fitness to cognitive health remain unclear, researchers noted that cardiovascular disease is linked to dementia risk, and low cardiorespiratory fitness may lead to reduced cerebral blood flow, potentially contributing to neurodegeneration.

Source: Anderer S. Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Middle and Older Age Is Associated With Lower Dementia Risk. JAMA. Published online December 27, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.25517