New research suggests that increased cardio-respiratory function can improve cognitive functions and help extend and enrich lifespan. Researchers at the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases observed changes in their subjects’ cardiorespiratory functions relative to their physical exercise.

During the study they determined that a negative change in cardiorespiratory function was a risk factor for incident dementia and dementia mortality. Subjects who improve their cardiorespiratory functions over time, gained an average of 2.2 dementia-free years to their lifespan as well as 2.7 total lifespan years.

The study provides indirect evidence that aerobic exercises can have positive impact on cognitive functions in addition to physical conditioning.