Proximity to green space linked to lower dementia risk, study finds

OPA WIRE, Oct 20 (OPA) — Proximity to vegetation significantly influences cognitive health, according to research published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia. The study tracked nearly 3,000 participants over 16 years, finding that the protective effect is most pronounced when green space is located within 100 metres of a residence. As the distance to these areas increases, the associated health benefits diminish.

"This highlights the immediate environmental surroundings of the home as an important piece in creating conditions that support brain health and healthy ageing," said Cecilia Stenfors, the study's lead researcher. The authors identified several mechanisms for this protection, including reduced stress levels, improved sleep quality, and increased physical activity. Furthermore, green spaces may shield residents from environmental hazards such as traffic noise, air pollution, and extreme heat.

An estimated 9 million people lived with dementia in the European Union in 2025, a figure projected to rise to 14 million by 2050. Neurologist Ulf Kallweit, co-chair of the environmental influences task force at the European Academy of Neurology, noted that housing organization and the immediate environment directly affect sleep and overall brain health. The findings suggest that urban design is a critical factor in public health strategy.

Researchers are now calling for sustainable urban planning that integrates accessible green environments into residential areas. Stenfors emphasized that such spaces serve as shared resources for public health, climate adaptation, and biodiversity. The study concludes that protecting existing vegetation and developing new, usable green zones are necessary steps to mitigate the rising prevalence of cognitive decline in aging populations.