Busy Roads Could Potentially Be A Dementia Risk Factor

A new study has determined that living next to busy roads could potentially account as an added dementia risk factor.

A new study has determined that living next to busy roads could potentially account as an added risk factor for the appearance of dementia.

The world is moving at an increasingly faster pace. As such, the traffic is higher and the roads are busier as everyone is trying to get somewhere. But living next to busy roads may have an unexpected, long-term effect.

A new study went to determine the effects of living in such areas. Research was carried out by a team of Canadian researchers. They were led by Hing Chen. The latter is part of the Public Health Ontario.

Research results were released earlier this week. The study was published in The Lancet journal. It was released on January 04 and titled as follows. “Living near major roads and the incidence of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis: a population-based cohort study.”

Data for the study surveyed 6.6 million adults. These were all Ontario, Canada residents. The analyzed adults were aged in between 20 to 85 years old. All of them have been living for five or more years in the province.

Researchers analyzed their health records. This led to the following results. According to them, people living next to busy roads are more likely to develop dementia.

More exactly, those living within 50 meters of such roads. They were noted to present a 7 percent increased risk of dementia.

Their results were compared to other residents. These live farther away from busy roads and heavy traffic. To be more exact, they are situated 300 meters away from such areas.

When studying the records, the scientists analyzed certain factors. They calculated the likelihood of developing certain diseases. These included the aforementioned dementia. Multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s diseases were also on the list.

However, only dementia revealed an increased incidence risk. No links have been found leading to the other two issues.

Further analyses also revealed the following facts. Distancing from the busy roads reduced the dementia risk. By 100 – 200 meters away, it had already fallen to merely 2 percent.

Living for a longer period of time near such areas also had an effect. As such, the length of time is also a potential factor. It was determined that people that have lived their whole lives within 50 meters of busy roads were more exposed. They had a 12 to 14 percent increased risk of dementia.

The exact reasons behind the increased dementia risks are as yet unknown. However, pollutants are considered as being a potential factor.

Current studies identified the road to dementia increased risks. Still, it did not identify its exact and direct causes. More factors are believed to have contributed to the rise.

The aforementioned study lead pointed out some facts. Diseases such as dementia are increasingly more common. However, as Chen stated, there is still much to learn about them. Their exact causes have yet to be determined. Specific prevention methods are still being established.

Chen declared that the current study could have introduced a new potential factor. Busy roads could be considered environmental stressors. As such, they could also influence the dementia incidence levels.

More research one the matter would be needed. It could help determine or demonstrate the new, potential disease. factor.

Image Source: Wikimedia

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Roxanne Briean

I am a geek, a gamer and a writer. I have always been fascinated with the online community. At the moment I work as a full-time writer and study interior design. When I'm not scouring the net in search of interesting new gadgets and software I spend my time in MOBAs or drawing.