A new study by the University of Georgia College of Public Health focuses on the powerful role that our environment play in the training of dementia risks. Directed by the assistant professor of Suhang Song health and management policy, this meta-analysis shows that factors, in particular air pollution and access to green or blue spaces, can increase or considerably reduce the chances of cognitive and dementia.
“These figures show that living in a friendly environment for dementia is important to delay or prevent cognitive decline and the start of dementia,” said Song.
The realization of the meta-analysis was important, as is several empirical studies to create a clearer image of environmental risk, said Song. Research has combined 54 studies in a systematic review and 21 in meta-analysis, allowing researchers to quantify the impact of several factors.
Although previous research has shown the association between environmental factors and the risk of dementia, Song said that contributions from certain factors were worth noted.
Environmental factors could increase the risk of dementia by 10%
Living near the main roads was associated with a risk of dementia around 10% higher, and exposure to fine particles in the air – something that is generated by vehicles and industrial emissions – was associated with a 9% increase in risk. Nitrous oxide has increased the risk by 10%, and noise pollution increases the risk by around 9%.
Alternatively, certain constructed environments help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Green and blue spaces, which include built and natural parks as well as water bodies, have reduced the risk by around 6%. Walking in a community, as well as access to local equipment, including food stores, community centers and health care, have also reduced risks.
“Based on these results, we can suggest that people visit parks or forests more often and also live further from the main roads,” said Song. “In addition, living in a community where there is more walking or being close to local equipment such as bookstores, health centers and more is useful.”
Improvement of town planning
This data can help inform urban planning efforts to create more communities that promote cognitive health, Song said.
“The biggest advantage of this article is to quantify the association between certain factors and cognitive health,” said Song. “This analysis can provide evidence of data -based urban decision -makers and decision -makers.”
Summary of objective measures of environmental factors for future research
This systematic journal and meta-analysis have focused on studies using objectively measured environmental factors, which can reduce the bias associated with subjective measures such as perceptions of air quality or individual green space and the beauty of a domain. These cases of self -depressed data can sometimes limit the reliability of the conclusions of a study.
Song hopes that this study will serve as the basis for future research, encouraging researchers to prioritize objective measures in the study of environmental influences on the risk of cognition and dementia.
(Tagstranslate) Alzheimer’s
