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How a Life Surrounded by Green Spaces in Midlife May Protect Against Cognitive Decline
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives reveals that living in greener environments during midlife could play a significant role in protecting cognitive health as we age. The research, conducted with data from the long-running Nurses’ Health Study, examined how midlife exposure to green spaces might influence cognitive decline later in life, taking into account factors like genetics, socioeconomic status, and urban versus rural living.
Study Overview
The Nurses’ Health Study tracked over 16,000 women aged 70 and older, assessing their cognitive function and examining their exposure to green spaces during midlife (ages 30 to 55). Greenness around participants’ homes was measured using satellite data from the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for the years 1986 to 1994. Cognitive performance was evaluated through a series of telephone interviews, focusing on overall cognition and verbal memory. The study also adjusted for various influences, including genetic predisposition (particularly the APOE-ɛ4 allele), socioeconomic factors, mental health, air pollution, physical activity, and social engagement.
Implications
These findings suggest that exposure to green spaces during midlife may be an important factor in reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The study highlights the potential for environmental factors to play a protective role in brain health, offering valuable insights for public health strategies. Enhancing access to green spaces could be a promising approach to supporting cognitive health as people age, particularly in urban planning and community development.
As we continue to seek ways to combat the rising prevalence of dementia, this research underscores the need to consider our living environments as part of the solution.
Journal reference:
Marcia Pescador Jimenez , Maude Wagner, Francine Laden, et al. (2024) Midlife Residential Greenness and Late-Life Cognitive Decline among Nurses’ Health Study Participants, EHP. doi:
