Study: Walkability Can Help Reduce Dementia Risk

Living in walkable neighborhoods can help people reduce their risk of dementia by offering natural opportunities to move more and a more mentally stimulating environment. A recent meta-analysis of dozens of studies links walkability to regular exercise and thus increased memory, writes Robert Steuteville in Public Square.

According to the study’s authors, “Street layouts with better connectivity and walkability are associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment. Access to local amenities, such as food stores, community centers, and healthcare amenities, supports cognitive health.” Walkability also lends itself to more social encounters. “When you walk to a destination, you are more likely to have friendly interactions, which have been shown to reduce the risk of depression, and walkable places also boost the sense of community.”

Other environmental factors similarly impact mental health and cognition. The study notes that “Exposure to park areas or green/blue spaces was generally associated with reduced dementia risk (by six percentage points).” Meanwhile, high levels of excessive noise are associated with worse cognitive performance and can damage both mental and physical health.