Neurologists at Fujian Medical University in China say lakes and rivers may help protect the brain. Living near water, they argue, could be a simple way to stay mentally sharper into old age.
What Did the Researchers Discover?
The university team found that middle-aged and older Britons living near the sea, lakes, or rivers—referred to as “blue spaces”—are less likely to experience age-related cognitive decline.
A study published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety found that the risk of cognitive decline among these residents was significantly lower than for people who lived far from blue spaces.
The researchers suggest humid air near large bodies of water helps reduce air pollution, and they link lower pollution to smaller age-related declines in cognition, the Daily Mail reported.
They also point to the calming sounds and sights of waves and flowing water, which could lower stress and lift mood.
How Was the Study Conducted?
The team analyzed test results from 35,669 men and women in the UK Biobank, comparing their health measures with their home addresses. The researchers were particularly interested in how close participants lived to blue spaces. They also assessed memory, reaction times, and verbal and numerical reasoning.
The scientists estimated air pollution exposure for each address, adjusting for participants’ age, education, weight, diet, blood pressure, and alcohol consumption.
The results showed that the more water near a home, the better residents performed on cognitive tests. People living within 300 meters of substantial blue space had a 13.2 percent lower risk of cognitive impairment.
The effect was stronger in areas with high air pollution. When particulate matter levels were highest, a 10 percent increase in blue space within 300 meters of a home corresponded with a 26.2 percent improvement in cognitive test scores.
The researchers said the findings could help planners and policymakers design healthier cities.
