Association of cardiorespiratory fitness with dementia risk across different levels of genetic predisposition: a large community-based longitudinal study
Objective We aimed to investigate the association of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with cognitive function and dementia risk, taking genetic predisposition for dementia into account. Methods Within the UK Biobank, 61 214 dementia-free participants aged 39–70 years were followed for up to 12 years. CRF score was estimated using a 6 min submaximal exercise test on a stationary bike and divided into tertiles (ie, low, moderate, and high; standardised by age and sex). Global cognitive function was evaluated at baseline. Dementia was identified based on medical history and medical records. Genetic predisposition for dementia was estimated using the polygenic risk score for Alzheimer’s disease (PRSAD), tertiled as low, moderate, or high. Data were analysed using linear regression, Poisson regression, and Laplace regression. Results Compared with low CRF, high CRF was related to better global cognitive function (β=0.05, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.07). Over the follow-up period, 553 individuals develo