The impact of built and social environmental characteristics on incidence and estimated risk of dementia

Background Dementia is a public health priority1 and the current study designed to investigate associations between built social environmental characteristics dementia incidence, estimated future risk of dementia. Further we investigated spatial variations in incidence identify unmet areas for policy intervention. Method We used 25,511 patients (aged 65 years older) records Adelaide 2011-2015. In addition calculated score based on protective factors not diagnosed with The following environment exposures were each statistical area level 1 (SA1)2: fragmentation, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), open spaces, walkability, socio-economic status length main roads. performed multilevel regression analyses allow hierarchical nature data applied cluster analysis high low Result found that one standard deviation (SD) increase NO2 walkability was associated 10% higher odds any versus no (95% confidence interval (CI): 1%, 21% 0%, 22% score). For dementia, 1-SD fragmentation (mobility component) 1% CI: 0, 1%). increases space socioeconomic 3% 0.95, 0.98) decreases 0.98, 0.99) risk, respectively. There heterogeneity pattern risk. Conclusion Associations neighbourhood level, statistically significant, indicating potential reduce through changes environments. Mapping cases offers novel approach identifying need. 1. Towards plan: WHO guide. Geneva: WHO; 2018. 2. Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS): Volume - Main Structure Greater Capital City Areas, 2016.