A recent study suggests that maintaining high cardiorespiratory fitness can significantly reduce the risk of dementia, even for those genetically predisposed.
Over 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, a condition affecting memory and social skills. Previous research has linked certain lifestyle habits, such as being sedentary, with an increased risk of developing dementia. However, it has also been shown that regular exercise could potentially lower this risk by up to 20%.
A new study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, highlights that individuals with high cardiorespiratory fitness—defined by the ability of the circulatory and respiratory systems to efficiently supply oxygen during exertion—tend to have a lower risk of developing dementia. This finding applies even to those who are genetically predisposed to such conditions.
Researchers examined data from over 61,000 participants in the UK Biobank who were initially free from dementia and aged between 39 and 70 years. Participants underwent a six-minute exercise test on a stationary bike to evaluate their cardiorespiratory fitness. The study found that, as cardiorespiratory fitness declines with age—by about 3% to 6% in their 20s and 30s to more than 20% per decade in their 70s—maintaining higher fitness levels could delay the onset of dementia.
In a follow-up spanning up to 12 years, nearly 10% of the study participants developed dementia. It was discovered that individuals with high cardiorespiratory fitness had a 0.6 incidence rate ratio for all forms of dementia. This translates to a 1.48-year delay in dementia onset compared to those with lower fitness levels. Among participants with a genetic tendency towards dementia, a high degree of fitness reduced their risk by 35%.
Cardiorespiratory fitness is increasingly seen as a predictor of cognitive health. Improving this aspect of fitness is suggested as a preventative strategy against dementia, including among those at high genetic risk.
Dr. José Morales, a vascular neurologist, noted that the study’s large cohort and comprehensive tracking strengthen its findings, advocating that such data encourages regular exercise among those concerned about dementia. He mentioned that most individuals are interested in nonpharmacological methods of lowering their personal risks. Similarly, Dr. Jasdeep S. Hundal emphasized the modifiable nature of fitness in mitigating dementia risks, reinforcing what has been advised in clinical practice for years. He remarked on the importance of exercise not only for physical health but also as a protective measure for cognitive health throughout life.
While new medications for Alzheimer’s show potential, they are not curative, making the identification of risk-lowering strategies crucial. Exercise and fitness offer substantial benefits in reducing societal and economic burdens associated with dementia.
Future research should explore longitudinal changes in cardiovascular fitness, determine the cumulative effects over a lifetime, and investigate how this impacts brain health. Studies involving diverse populations and practical strategies for fitness implementation are essential for confirming these findings and expanding their applicability.
Overall, enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness emerges as a promising non-invasive approach to potentially reduce dementia risk. This strategy empowers individuals to take proactive steps in maintaining cognitive health.
Source: Medicalnewstoday
