Living in areas with abundant greenery and low crime rates may have a positive impact on reducing dementia risk factors, according to a recent study led by Monash University.
The study, published in Preventive Medicine Reports, delved into the relationship between neighborhood characteristics and dementia risk as well as cognition. It revealed that proximity to greenspace and lower crime rates were associated with fewer modifiable dementia risk factors.
The research indicated that doubling the distance to greenspace was akin to aging about 2.5 years in terms of dementia risk factors. Similarly, a twofold increase in crime rates was linked to a decline in memory score comparable to a three-year increase in age.
This correlation was particularly pronounced in individuals residing in areas with lower socioeconomic status (SES). The study on greenspace encompassed participants from across Australia, while the analysis of crime rates focused specifically on Victoria where data was readily available.
Associate Professor Matthew Pase, the senior author from the Monash University School of Psychological Sciences and the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, highlighted that previous research had already shown a higher prevalence of dementia among disadvantaged populations.
He emphasized that the new study examined key modifiable dementia risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, and physical inactivity. Proximity to greenspace was identified as a significant factor that could promote physical activity and social interaction, while potentially reducing exposure to environmental stressors like air pollution and noise.
According to Associate Professor Pase, the study indicated that living near greenspace was more crucial than the total amount of greenspace in an area. This suggests that numerous smaller parks accessible to a larger population may be more beneficial than a single large park situated farther away.
Furthermore, higher crime rates in an area could influence behaviors associated with dementia. Individuals in regions with elevated crime rates might engage less in outdoor activities and social interactions, potentially impacting their mental well-being. The study also noted that crime-related stressors could disrupt sleep patterns and lead to harmful coping mechanisms like smoking.
Even the perception of crime in a neighborhood could contribute to psychological stress, which has been linked to adverse health outcomes in previous research.
