A study led by Duke University has uncovered a concerning connection between individuals living in disadvantaged neighborhoods and a higher risk of developing dementia. The research, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, reveals that where a person resides can influence the onset and severity of this neurological disorder affecting cognitive skills and memory.

The study, conducted by Duke clinical neuropsychologist Aaron Reuben and his team, examined data from 1,695,447 individuals aged 31 to 90. The subjects were born in New Zealand between 1929 and 1968 and resided in the country between July 1999 and June 2019. The study also analyzed populations from the United Kingdom and the United States.

By analyzing census data on neighborhood socioeconomic status, including factors like unemployment rates, education levels, and home ownership, the researchers found that those living in the most disadvantaged areas had a 43 percent increased risk of developing dementia over a 20-year observation period.

This link between neighborhood disadvantage and dementia risk was consistent across various industrialized countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, and New Zealand. The researchers also examined data from the Dunedin Study, which showed that those residing in disadvantaged neighborhoods exhibited poorer brain health as early as age 45, irrespective of personal income or education levels. This was evidenced by decreased nerve cell density and impaired communication between brain cells.

While the study had certain limitations, including its observational nature and inability to establish causation, the findings highlight the importance of considering environmental and social factors in dementia prevention and treatment efforts. Dr. Reuben emphasized the need to target interventions to reach those who are most at risk, stating that addressing antecedent risk factors at the community level could potentially lead to more effective preventive strategies.

The study's revelations may have significant implications for public health policies in tackling the global burden of dementia, which currently affects 50 million people worldwide. With the aging population projected to increase this number to 150 million in the next three decades, understanding the role of neighborhood disadvantage in the development of dementia becomes even more crucial.

Furthermore, experts within the field of dementia studies have highlighted the potential impact of various lifestyle and environmental factors on dementia risk. Factors such as air quality, limited access to outdoor spaces, and socio-economic disparities have been cited as contributors to the increased prevalence of dementia in disadvantaged communities.

To further explore these issues, Dr. Reuben and his team plan to investigate specific components of disadvantaged neighborhoods that drive the increased risk of dementia, as well as assess the potential benefits of community-based interventions, such as creating safer and more walkable streets or establishing farmer's markets and neighborhood parks.

The study has garnered attention from renowned dementia researchers, who commend its insights into the multifaceted nature of dementia risk factors and the need for comprehensive approaches in dementia prevention. As the search for effective treatments and preventive measures continues, understanding the intersection between environment, social factors, and dementia is becoming increasingly critical.

(Note: This article is based on the information provided by the user and does not include additional research or interviews beyond that context.