Scientists Just Discovered A Surprising New Risk Factor For Dementia
In the past few decades, scientists have been working hard to slowly chip away at what actually causes dementia in the hopes of finding better treatments and prevention tools. We now know that getting good sleep, enough exercise, and drinking less are key. But a lot of risk factors are still a total mystery. Recently, scientists uncovered a new one, and it’s probably not one that’s on your radar.
As it turns out, where you live can actually influence how likely you are to develop dementia, according to a new study published in the journal Neurology. Yep, your neighborhood plays a bigger role in your disease risk than people thought. But suddenly moving houses isn’t an option for most people, so, what can you do about it? Neurologists break down the findings and explain what they mean for you.
Meet the experts: Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA; Amit Sachdev, MD, MS, medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University
What did the study find?
For the study, researchers analyzed data from 6,781 people with an average age of 72 who lived in four different communities in Chicago. The participants were given tests for thinking and memory skills at the beginning of the study, as well as every three years for at least six years. During the study, 2,534 people were also evaluated for dementia.
The researchers took that information and compared it to U.S. Census data to look at how disadvantaged each neighborhood was.
At the end of the study, 11 percent of people who lived in the least disadvantaged neighborhoods developed Alzheimer’s disease, while 22 percent of people in the most disadvantaged neighborhood received a diagnosis. In the neighborhoods in-between these two, the rates increased with the level of disadvantage.
After adjusting for a slew of factors that can influence dementia risk, like age, sex, and education level, the researchers discovered that people in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods were more than twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those who lived in nicer areas.
Why is dementia risk linked with certain types of neighborhoods?
It’s important to point out that the study simply found an association between where you live and a higher dementia risk. So that means it didn’t prove that living in certain neighborhoods causes dementia—just that there’s a link.
However, “zip code is a major determinant of overall health,” says Amit Sachdev, MD, medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University. It specifically falls under something known as a “social determinant of health,” which is a non-medical factor that influences a person’s health and well-being.
People who live in disadvantaged neighborhoods tend to have a greater risk of developing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, and those are also risk factors for dementia, points out Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
What else raises your dementia risk?
There are a few risk factors for dementia to keep in mind. While some, like your genetics, age, and race, are out of your control, there are certain lifestyle factors that will raise your risk of dementia. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), those include:
- High blood pressure
- Lack of physical activity
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Having overweight or obesity
- Being socially isolated or lonely
However, the NIA also points out that researchers haven’t proven that avoiding certain behaviors or lifestyle factors will actually prevent dementia.
How can I best protect my brain?
The best way to support good brain health is to focus on your overall health, Dr. Sachdev says. “The brain that is very healthy is usually supported by a very healthy body,” he says. “A brain that is very healthy will be able to withstand changes more robustly than a brain that is less healthy.”
Structure is also important for brain health, Dr. Segil says. “Find activities that stimulate both your mind and your body,” he says. “Do them in regular weekly routine.”
When it comes to your risk of developing dementia, doctors generally agree that you should just do what you can to stay healthy.
Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.
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