Neighborhood Blue Spaces and Dementia Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Moored Kyle, Desjardins Michael, Rosso Andrea, Lovasi Gina, Donahue Patrick, Shields Timothy, Curriero Frank, Carlson Michelle
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Hypothesis
Neighborhood blue spaces are beneficial for cognitive aging.
Conclusion
Greater neighborhood blue space is associated with an increased risk of dementia in older adults in Pittsburgh.
Supporting Evidence
- The study found that greater blue space was linked to a higher risk of all-cause dementia.
- Participants were assessed over a median of 6.2 years for dementia diagnosis.
- Cox models were adjusted for various individual factors including age, sex, and income.
Takeaway
Having lakes and rivers nearby might not be good for your brain as you get older, especially in Pittsburgh.
Methodology
The study used Cox models to analyze the relationship between neighborhood blue spaces and dementia risk over a median of 6.2 years.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to historical industrialization and socioeconomic factors in the study area.
Limitations
The study is limited to community-dwelling older adults in Pittsburgh, which may not represent other populations.
Participant Demographics
Participants were community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older from Pittsburgh, PA.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.26, 2.41 for low vs. none; 95% CI: 1.45, 2.98 for high vs. none
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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