Dementia rates 'higher near busy roads'

New research has suggested that those who live near major roads have higher rates of dementia.

Published in The Lancet, the research, which studied nearly two million people in Ontario, Canada, over an 11 year period, found that as many as 11 per cent of dementia cases in people living within 50 metres of a major road could be down to traffic, arguing that the air pollution and noise caused by heavy traffic could be contributing to the brain's decline.

Between 2001 and 2012 there were 243,611 cases of dementia diagnosed in the province, with the researchers finding that the risk was greatest in those living closest to major roads.

Dr Hong Chen, an author of the report, said: "Increasing population growth and urbanisation have placed many people close to heavy traffic, and with widespread exposure to traffic and growing rates of dementia, even a modest effect from near-road exposure could pose a large public health burden.

"More research to understand this link is needed, particularly into the effects of different aspects of traffic, such as air pollutants and noise."

Experts and professionals studying dementia say that the findings are plausible and provocative, but require much further examination.

The causes of dementia are not understood, but most medical advice to reduce the risk of developing the disease recommends maintaining a healthy lifestyle - including eating healthily and exercising regularly.