New research has found why living in a disadvantaged neighbourhood may increase the risk of dementia.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have found a link between living in a deprived area and damage in the brain’s blood vessels. Poor lifestyle factors also increased the risk.

People in these areas experience worse memory and thinking over time. They have a higher risk of dementia, regardless of their socioeconomic status. 

Why is there a link?

Recent studies show that areas of deprivation are linked to different brain structures and signs of brain damage. 

The team identified poorer lifestyle conditions among those living in a deprived neighbourhood.

This included areas of high unemployment, low income or poor education opportunities. People were likely to experience poor sleep and exercise less. Obesity and high blood pressure were also prevalent. 

Poor neighbourhood conditions, like poorer housing, environment and high crime affected thinking skills. This affected how they process information. It also affected their awareness of their surroundings and attention.

What needs to change?

The team found where people live and their environment affects their dementia risk. They say that to lower the risk, we must fix the larger social problems impacting brain health.

Senior author Professor John O’Brien, from the Department of Psychiatry at Cambridge, said: “Where you live clearly plays an important role in your brain health and risk of dementia, putting people living in deprived neighbourhoods at a serious disadvantage. This risk is preventable, but our works shows it’s not enough to assume it’s down to the individual. If we’re serious about reducing health inequalities, it will require support from local and national policymakers.”

The study shows how different areas face their own challenges. They will need different approaches to tackle these. 

For example, in wealthier areas, researchers suggest a focus on reducing alcohol consumption. Whilst lower-income areas may need healthy lifestyle approaches to prevent dementia.

While these findings hold true for the UK and Ireland, the researchers say that more research is needed into if this affects other cultures.

The research was supported by the Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Wellcome Trust, Alzheimer’s Research UK and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre.