Recent studies have pointed out that the living environment may be a key factor influencing the risk of dementia, offering a new perspective for dementia prevention and public health strategy formulation.
A research report published in JAMA Network Open by scientists from institutions like Monash University shows that the neighborhood – level socioeconomic status (n – SES) is closely associated with the risk of dementia. The researchers analyzed data from 4,656 participants aged 40 – 70 without dementia in the Turner Brain and Mental Health Researcher’s longitudinal population – based Healthy Brain Research Initiative between 2016 and 2020. They found that people living in more affluent areas performed better in memory tests and had a relatively lower risk of developing dementia. Since dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia and up to 40% of cases are potentially preventable, these findings highlight the urgency of improving facilities in disadvantaged areas and helping residents adopt healthy lifestyles to reduce the burden of dementia.
Another study from Monash University, published in Preventive Medicine Reports, indicates that the greenery and crime rate around the place of residence have a significant impact on the risk of dementia. The study found that living close to green spaces can reduce the modifiable risk factors for dementia, and living away from green spaces is equivalent to aging by about 2.5 years in terms of risk factors; a doubling of the crime rate is equivalent to a decline in memory scores, with an effect similar to aging by three years. Associate Professor Matthew Pass, the senior author, pointed out that proximity to green spaces encourages residents to exercise and socialize, and reduces environmental stressors such as air pollution and noise. In contrast, high crime rates may discourage people from outdoor activities and social interactions, leading to adverse behaviors associated with dementia.
In addition, other studies have continuously confirmed the correlation between the residential environment and the risk of dementia. Research in the United States has shown that people living in areas with the lowest levels of income, education, employment, and housing quality have a dementia risk several times higher than those in areas with the best conditions.
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