A new study from the University of Georgia’s College of Public Health highlights how urban environments influence dementia risk. Led by Assistant Professor Suhang Song, the meta-analysis examined air pollution, traffic exposure, and access to green spaces, finding a significant impact on cognitive health.
The study combined data from 54 research papers, quantifying risk factors for dementia. Living near major roadways increased dementia risk by 10%, while exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrous oxide raised risk by 9-10%. Noise pollution was also linked to higher risk. Conversely, access to parks, water bodies, and walkable communities reduced dementia risk by about 6%.
“These findings emphasize the importance of designing dementia-friendly environments,” Song said. The research aims to guide urban planning, advocating for green spaces and reduced pollution to support cognitive health. By prioritizing objective environmental data, the study provides a foundation for future research on dementia prevention.