Recent research adds to growing evidence that maintaining good cardiorespiratory fitness may help protect the brain as we get older.
A new study found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness was correlated with better performance across all cognitive domains. It even benefitted people on beta-blocker medications and those carrying the APOE e4 gene, which raises dementia risk.
Researchers suggest several mechanisms that could explain the connection: improved cerebral blood flow, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, stronger neurotrophic factor signaling and enhanced connections between brain cells.
Even in older age, maintaining or improving fitness appears to support brain health, including for those with higher dementia risk. Regular physical activity remains one of the most powerful modifiable lifestyle factors for protecting cognitive function.
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