green space exposure linked to lower dementia incidence
Exact: -0.06
Urban green spaces are associated with a reduced incidence of dementia (effect size -0.06)
Across 37 eligible studies identified from six databases (2009–2024), the meta-analysis found a significant effect size of -0.06 for dementia incidence, suggesting that access to urban green spaces — particularly community gardens — contributes to a lower likelihood of developing dementia in older adults.
The specific performance of these green spaces is as follows: reduced incidence of dementia (-0.06), improved social participation (0.14), increased physical isolation (0.54), reduced anxiety (-0.28), relieved depression, relieved mental disorders (-0.32), calmed agitation (-0.06), increased positive emotions (0.10), reduced sadness and anger, improved quality of life, enhanced cognitive function (0.52), and improved sleep.
Related findings
1.52×
Less greenspace linked to higher odds of cases accepted for child protective services
Census blocks with <10% greenspace had 1.52× the odds of a case being accepted for CPS services compared to blocks with >30% greenspace
Yuan He et al., 2024, Child Abuse & Neglect
1.52×
Less greenspace linked to higher odds of substantiated child maltreatment reports
Census blocks with <10% greenspace had 1.52× the odds of a substantiated CPS report compared to blocks with >30% greenspace
Yuan He et al., 2024, Child Abuse & Neglect
16.1%
nature exposure around schools offers the highest financial return of all interventions tested
Nature exposure achieved the highest return on investment at 16.1% with a 6.2-year payback period
Yingjie Li et al., 2026, SSRN Electronic Journal
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