Each 1–metabolic equivalent increase in exercise capacity conferred a nearly 8% reduction in the incidence of cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

Exercise capacity is strongly associated with cognitive function; the inverse association between fitness and cognitive impairment provides an additional impetus for health care providers to promote physical activity.

Source: Association Between Exercise Capacity and Late Onset of Dementia, Alzheimer Disease, and Cognitive Impairment – Mayo Clinic Proceedings