Higher Cardiorespiratory Fitness Correlates with Lower Incidence and Delayed Onset of Dementia

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine highlights a strong association between higher cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in midlife and older adulthood and a significantly lower risk of dementia. Individuals with optimal CRF demonstrated up to a 40% reduction in long-term dementia risk compared to those with lower fitness levels.

Among approximately 20,200 participants, only 128 individuals with high fitness developed dementia, versus 233 cases in a similarly sized group with low fitness. Moreover, higher fitness levels were linked to a delay of nearly 1.5 years in the onset of dementia symptoms.

Interestingly, participants genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease also benefitted—those with high CRF had a 35% lower relative risk of developing dementia compared to their less fit counterparts.

Although the underlying mechanisms remain under investigation, researchers suggest that the relationship may be mediated through cardiovascular health. Poor cardiovascular function and reduced cerebral blood flow associated with low CRF could contribute to neurodegenerative changes over time.

Reference:

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