Prediction of the Fittest

Many of us have assumed that the link between cognition and cardiovascular fitness is a simple causal connection: Of course, better cognition is the result of exercise. Findings from a longitudinal, prospective study make us examine that simplistic interpretation.

Using data from New Zealand's Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, which involved assessments at birth and every 2 to 6 years, researchers examined cardiorespiratory fitness data (estimated maximum oxygen consumption adjusted for body weight [VO₂max]) and cognition in 944 subjects at midlife (age, 38).

As expected, at midlife, the more-fit individuals had better cognitive function. However, those who scored higher on cognitive tasks as children were more fit 25 ye…