Higher fitness levels linked to lower risk of depression, dementia
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- Reviewed by Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Being physically fit is strongly connected to better physical health. A new research review links higher fitness levels with better mental health as well.
Published in the April 2026 issue of Nature Mental Health, the review included 27 studies involving a total of more than four million people (about 30% women) from nine countries. The participants' average baseline ages ranged from 11 to 73 years; the follow-up periods lasted between four and 29 years. Fitness levels were assessed directly (with exercise testing) or estimated (based on self-reported exercise habits, body size, and other variables).
People with high cardiorespiratory fitness were 36% less likely to experience depression and 39% less likely to develop dementia than those with low cardiorespiratory fitness. Even small improvements in fitness were linked to a lower risk. Experts believe that exercise's ability to boost blood flow to the brain, reduce bodywide inflammation, and improve stress regulation may explain the connection.
The findings don't prove that attaining a better fitness level can prevent mental health problems or dementia. But these study results are consistent with other research showing a strong association between more aerobic and strength training exercise and lower risk of depression and dementia.
Image: © Ariel Skelley/Getty Images
About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
About the Reviewer
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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