LIVING near busy roads could increase your risk of developing dementia, a new study suggests.

A study published in the Lancet in Canada suggested as many of 11 per cent of dementia cases in people living within 50 metres of a major road could be down to noisy traffic and air pollution contributing to the brain’s decline.

The study followed nearly two million people in Ontario between 2001 and 2012.

There were 243,611 cases of dementia diagnosed during that time, but the risk was greatest in those living closest to major roads.

Compared with those living 300 metres away from a major road the risk was seven per cent higher within 50 metres, four per cent higher between 50 and100 metres and two per cent higher between 101 and 200 metres.

Lynda Hughes, who helped launch Swindon’s first patients and carers-led dementia think tank, You Only Live Once said the results of the survey couldn’t be ignored

“We already know that what is good for our heart and lungs is also good for our brain. Vice versa what is bad can also affect the brain,” she said.

“It makes sense that air pollution can affect the brain because it is bad for the heart and lungs.

“People need to think of what they can be doing now to lessen their risk. Having an active healthy lifestyle is part and parcel of that.

“The study is a huge one and therefore we cannot ignore the findings."

Penny Marno, Swindon Borough Council’s public health consultant, said: “The causes of dementia are unknown, however there are various factors which may be associated with the disease and we welcome any findings which may shed further light on this.

“It’s also important to recognise that this is a Canadian study so there may be other risk factors which affect people in other countries, such as the UK.

“The main reasons why there are more people living with dementia these days are that people are living longer and more people are being diagnosed.

“There is also evidence that good lifestyle habits which are more within our control can reduce the risk of dementia, for instance, stopping smoking, exercising regularly, and eating healthily.

“Having a Mediterranean diet including plenty of fruit and vegetables, keeping to the recommended limits of alcohol consumption, and managing cholesterol levels are also of benefit."

Dr Hong Chen, from Public Health Ontario who is one of the report authors, 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.”

Visit alzheimers.org.uk/reducemyrisk and, to find out about what’s available in Swindon, visit mycaremysupport.co.uk