Living Near Green Spaces May Cut Dementia Risk by One Fifth, Study Finds
A Swedish study of nearly 3,000 people tracked for 16 years links proximity to neighbourhood greenery with a 20% lower chance of developing dementia.
A long-term cohort study conducted by Stockholm University and the Karolinska Institute examined almost 3,000 adults over 16 years, mapping the amount of vegetation surrounding each participant's home. Results showed that those living closest to green areas, especially within 100 metres, faced roughly a 20% lower risk of developing dementia. The researchers attribute this protective link to factors such as psychological restoration, increased physical activity, improved sleep and reduced exposure to traffic noise, air pollution and extreme heat.
With EU dementia prevalence projected to rise sharply by 2050, the authors call for sustainable urban design that preserves existing vegetation and creates inclusive green spaces. Neurologist Ulf Kallweit highlighted the growing relevance of environmental influences on brain health. The study underscores the potential of neighbourhood planning as a public-health tool.
Why it matters
Green neighbourhoods could become a simple, cost-effective strategy to lower dementia rates as populations age.
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