Study reveals the connection between place of residence and dementia risk

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have found that living in socially disadvantaged areas can directly impact brain health and increase dementia risk. As published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia (A&D), housing conditions are associated with damage to small blood vessels in the brain and difficulties in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Scientists analyzed data from 585 middle-aged individuals from the UK and Ireland. They discovered that residents of areas with high unemployment, low income, and poor housing conditions are more likely to suffer from sleep disturbances, hypertension, obesity, and lack of physical activity—factors that enhance the risk of cognitive impairments.