Living in greener neighborhoods during midlife could slow cognitive decline later in life, with stronger benefits seen in disadvantaged communities, according to a new study from Boston University.
The research, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, found that higher exposure to green spaces in middle age was associated with slower annual cognitive decline equivalent to about eight months. This effect was more pronounced in low-income, densely populated areas.
“Our results shed light into the cognitive benefits of increasing green space exposure at a population level, particularly among vulnerable subgroups,” said lead author Dr. Marcia Pescador Jimenez, assistant professor of epidemiology at Boston University School of Public Health.
The study analyzed data from nearly 17,000 nurses aged 70 and older, assessing their cognitive function and greenness exposure over several years.
Notably, individuals with the APOE-ɛ4 gene, a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, showed three times slower cognitive decline when exposed to more greenery compared to those without the gene.
The findings highlight potential health inequities, as disadvantaged neighborhoods often have less access to green spaces.
“The results emphasize the importance of prioritizing the preservation and creation of green spaces, particularly in low-socioeconomic status neighborhoods, as a means of promoting cognitive health later in life,” Pescador Jimenez said.
With Alzheimer’s and related dementias developing up to 20 years before symptoms appear, identifying at-risk populations and protective measures early in life is crucial for prevention and intervention efforts.
See “Living in greener neighborhoods during midlife can slow cognitive decline” (July 18, 2024)
