Health-Promoting Neighborhood Resources and Brain Health
Author Information
Author(s): Besser Lilah, Maillard Pauline, Le Elaine, Mitsova Diana, Galvin James, DeCarli Charles, Meyer Oanh
Primary Institution: University of California, Davis
Hypothesis
Are health-promoting neighborhood resources associated with better brain health in older adults?
Conclusion
Neighborhoods with libraries and churches may help reduce the risk of cerebrovascular disease and dementia by protecting against brain atrophy.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants lived in neighborhoods with varying resources like libraries and churches.
- Lower white matter hyperintensity volumes were found in neighborhoods with libraries or higher church density.
- Higher total grey matter volume was associated with more churches in the neighborhood.
- The presence of a library was particularly beneficial in low socioeconomic status neighborhoods.
Takeaway
Living near libraries and churches can help keep your brain healthy as you get older.
Methodology
Data from participants was analyzed using multivariable linear regression to assess the relationship between neighborhood characteristics and MRI outcomes.
Participant Demographics
Participants were on average 74.9 years old, with 13.7 years of education; 24.1% were Black, 28.9% Hispanic, and 47.1% non-Hispanic White.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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