Despite what we’ve been hearing all our lives, nature might not be so great for our well-being – well, at least not too much of it – according to recent research, suggesting the need for a ‘Goldilocks’ approach to green space.
As it happens, being in nature has well-documented and numerous benefits to physical and mental health, but research suggests that when it comes to the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, too much of a good thing can hurt, according to a report published by Scientific American on March 31.
Indeed, the Lancet Commission on Dementia recently identified 14 factors that effectively increase the risk of developing dementia, such as cardiovascular disease, high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, traumatic brain injury, depression, and social isolation.
Why too much nature can hurt your brain
Specifically, the latter factor is the most important one in the recent study, as the high level of exposure to green spaces (parks, wooded areas, and even farmland) didn’t lower dementia risk relative to the medium level. In fact, in some cases, it even increased it.
And here’s why – living out in nature can mean decreased access to medical and social services, fewer places to socialize, and increased chances of social isolation – circumstances that in themselves might not be bad for brain health, but too much of them may actually hurt it.
According to Marco Vinceti of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy, who participated in a 2022 research study led by his colleague Federico Zagnoli:
“The higher risk of dementia associated with ‘extremely high’ green spaces around the place of one’s residence is likely attributable to social isolation and socioeconomic disadvantage in certain rural areas. Rurality may also be correlated with other risk factors, such as lower socioeconomic status or high pesticide exposure.”
In other words, green space itself might be good for your brain, but living on a few acres of land surrounded by forest and farmland might increase your risk of dementia due to the lack of health services, local community centers, and a walkable neighborhood with friendly people.
This doesn’t mean you should forsake your little house with the white fence just outside the city, but ideally, you would want to aim for striking a balance – enough neighborhood density for easy access to services and social support, yet lots of trees to enjoy a walk in the nature.
ReadNext
