Environmental factors can significantly impact dementia risk, according to groundbreaking research from the University of Georgia College of Public Health.
The comprehensive study, led by Assistant Professor Suhang Song, reveals how our surroundings play a powerful role in cognitive health.
Through a meta-analysis combining 54 studies in a systematic review, researchers have quantified how specific environmental elements can either raise or lower the odds of cognitive decline.
"These numbers show that living in a dementia-friendly environment is important to delay or prevent cognitive decline and the onset of dementia," Song said.
Scientists recommend living in a community where there is more walkability
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Living near major roadways was linked to approximately 10 per cent higher dementia risk, the study found.
Exposure to fine particulate matter in the air, generated by vehicles and industrial emissions, was associated with a nine per cent increase in risk.
Nitrous Oxide raised the risk by 10 per cent, whilst noise pollution increased the risk by about nine per cent.
These environmental factors collectively demonstrate how our surroundings can significantly impact brain health, the research noted.
The findings provide clear evidence that where we live matters for cognitive well-being, highlighting that high pollution levels present measurable risks to brain health that cannot be ignored.
Conversely, the study identified environmental factors that can help protect against dementia.
Green and blue spaces, including parks and bodies of water, reduced risk by approximately six per cent. Communities with high walkability scores showed protective benefits.
Access to local amenities such as food stores, community centres and healthcare facilities also lowered risk.
"Based on these findings, we can suggest that people visit parks or forests more often and also live further from the major roads," Song said.
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Living near a major road could increase the risk of brain decline
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"Also, living in a community where there is more walkability, or being close to local amenities like bookstores, health care centres and more is helpful."
"The biggest advantage of this paper is to quantify the association between certain factors and cognitive health," Song explained.
"This analysis can provide evidence for data-driven urban planning and support decision makers."
The scientist hopes the work will serve as a foundation for future research, encouraging scientists to use objective measurements when investigating environmental influences on dementia risk.
