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“In our research, we found that the green spaces have protective effects against developing the neurological disorders,” said Yuchi, adding that they measured green space using an index of satellite images.

Yuchi said this is the first time UBC researchers have confirmed a link between air pollution and traffic proximity with a higher risk of dementia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and MS at the population level. There are other epidemiological studies that have reported associations between road proximity and traffic-related air pollution with impaired cognitive function in adults and neurological disorders.

Photo by UBC handout / PNG

Living near a major road or highway was associated with a 14-per-cent risk for dementia, and seven per cent for Parkinson’s disease.

While the researchers did not identify a percentage for risk for MS and Alzheimer’s, they did find road proximity was associated with incidence of both.

Yuchi noted that the research does not make recommendations on whether people should be living near highways, but they do suggest more green spaces and accessibility to parks be included in urban planning efforts.

She said their research shows that there is a three to eight per cent reduction in the risk of developing the neurological disorders for those who live near parks or forest.

They do not make recommendations about how to minimize the risk for those who do live near major roadways, and say more research is needed. The study did not account for people who live near roads but spend a significant amount of time in nature hiking or visiting parks.