A new study has found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with better cognitive performance, even in people with a genetic predisposition for dementia. The research suggests that maintaining physical activity can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and possibly dementia.
A recent study on older adults has shed light on the benefits of regular exercise in reducing dementia risk. The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness was linked to better cognitive performance across several functions susceptible to decline during aging.
The researchers recruited 648 participants aged between 65 and 80 years and assessed their cardiorespiratory fitness using a graded exercise test on a motorised treadmill. They found that those with greater cardiorespiratory fitness performed better in all five of the cognitive functions assessed, including processing speed, working memory, visuospatial processing, and more.
The study’s findings support previous research suggesting that modifying certain risk factors and promoting healthy behaviors can reduce dementia risk. As many as 40% of dementia cases worldwide may be attributable to modifiable risk factors, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Experts welcome the study’s results, citing the importance of cardiovascular health for brain aging. However, they caution that the study is observational and cannot confirm causation. Instead, it provides valuable insights into the association between cardiovascular fitness and dementia risk.
To combat the rise in dementia cases, experts recommend incorporating regular exercise, challenging one’s mind through learning new skills, controlling blood pressure and managing diabetes, getting appropriate sleep, eating healthy foods, and controlling weight. According to Claire Sexton, Alzheimer’s Association senior director of scientific programs and outreach, “Even incorporating just a few of these into daily living can put you in the right direction.”
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cardiorespiratory-fitness-could-protect-cognitive-health-as-we-age