Our memories become even more treasured as we age, like well-loved photographs we keep close. The idea of losing those memories to something like dementia is a worry many of us share.
Scientists have been working hard to figure out what causes dementia, hoping to find ways to prevent it and treat it better. We know things like good sleep and staying active are important, but there are still many pieces to this puzzle.
Recently, researchers have uncovered a surprising new risk factor for dementia that has nothing to do with genetics or the usual suspects like diet and exercise.
The new risk factor for dementia is something far more pervasive and, for many, an aspect of life we might overlook: our very own neighbourhoods.
The study, published in the journal Neurology, has revealed a startling connection between a neighbourhood’s level of disadvantage and the likelihood of its residents developing dementia.
Researchers analysed data from 6,781 individuals, all of whom had an average age of 72, and all resided in various communities within Chicago. These participants underwent cognitive tests at the outset and then every three years for at least six years. Out of this group, 2,534 were also evaluated for dementia.
By comparing the cognitive health data with United States Census information on neighbourhood disadvantage, researchers found a stark contrast in dementia rates.
Only 11 per cent of individuals from the least disadvantaged neighbourhoods were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In comparison, a staggering 22 per cent of the most disadvantaged areas were found to have the condition.
Even after accounting for factors like age, sex, and education level, the link remained strong: those in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods had over twice the risk of developing dementia compared to those in more affluent areas.
But what exactly ties a neighbourhood to dementia risk? While the study didn’t establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it did underscore the concept of ‘social determinants of health.’ These are non-medical factors that significantly influence a person’s health outcomes.
Dr Amit Sachdev, medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University, emphasised that ‘zip code is a major determinant of overall health.’
Disadvantaged neighbourhoods often have higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure—all known risk factors for dementia.
Dr Clifford Segil, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California, pointed out that these health conditions are more prevalent in areas with limited access to healthcare, nutritious food, and safe spaces for physical activity.
A similar study involving Australian adults found that lower neighbourhood socioeconomic status correlates with worse memory performance and an increased risk of dementia, particularly in older adults (55 and over).
Factors like crime, safety, access to healthcare and education, opportunities for physical activity, social disorder, greenery, and pollution contribute to these outcomes. For instance, limited green spaces and recreational facilities can discourage physical activity, negatively impacting both heart and brain health.
The research also noted that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often reside in areas with fewer resources for healthy living, leading to poorer health outcomes and lower health literacy.
Beyond neighbourhood disadvantage, the National Institute on Aging also identified several lifestyle factors that can increase dementia risk, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Lack of physical activity
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Being socially isolated or lonely
While avoiding these factors hasn’t been proven to prevent dementia, they are certainly areas where we can take proactive steps to protect our brain health.
Dr Sachdev explained that, ‘The brain that is very healthy is usually supported by a very healthy body. A brain that is very healthy will be able to withstand changes more robustly than a brain that is less healthy.’
So, what else can we do to safeguard our minds against the threat of dementia? Dr Segil advised finding activities that stimulate your mind and body and doing them in a regular weekly routine.
How does your neighbourhood support or challenge your health goals? Have you noticed a difference in your well-being based on where you live? Share your experiences below, and let’s continue the conversation about how we can all live healthier, happier lives well into our golden years.
Another beat-up as one’s surroundings (ie. neighbourhood) generally reflect the socio-economic status of people (so a neighbourhood with a very high proportion of government housing, for instance, is most probably going to be populated with under-educated, poorly fed people). It’s just another way of frightening people, in my not-so-humble opinion. (Sorry, am in a bit of a mood after spending 20 minutes trying to wrest a small package out of my mailbox after our Postie decided to “fold” the envelope around a book and jam it in.) Anyway, someone finagled some funding for ‘investigating’ the bleedin’ obvious.