June 10, 2025 – Washington, D.C. — Where you live may be more important to your brain than you think. A new U.S. study has revealed that a person’s living environment—rural or urban, rich or poor—can significantly influence their risk of developing dementia.
The research, led by scientists at the University of Michigan and backed by the National Institute on Aging, analyzed data from tens of thousands of older Americans. The results suggest that people living in economically disadvantaged or isolated rural areas are more likely to experience cognitive decline as they age.
“Our study suggests that geography isn’t just a backdrop to our lives—it actively shapes our brain health,” said Dr. Allison Brenner, the study’s lead researcher. “Limited access to medical care, lower educational opportunities, higher pollution levels, and chronic stress in some communities may be creating hidden risks for dementia.”
The research found that even after accounting for individual factors like age, genetics, and lifestyle, the community’s overall environment still played a measurable role in cognitive outcomes. The study calls for more focused public health efforts in high-risk areas, especially those historically overlooked in national health strategies.
This discovery could shift how dementia prevention is approached in the U.S., putting more emphasis on community-level interventions, not just individual lifestyle changes.
Why It Matters:
With dementia cases on the rise and no cure currently available, early prevention is key. This study underlines that building healthier environments may be just as important as eating well or exercising regularly.
