When it comes to dementia, living in the inner city or the country might be better than suburbia

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-07-03 01:00

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Dementia death rates in the UK are higher at mid-range population densities than they are at low or very high levels, which suggests that our degree of urbanisation may play a role in the dementia burden. The researchers found that risk of dying from or with dementia followed the shape of an upside-down letter U when compared to urbanicity. People living at population densities of around 2,000-4,000 people per square kilometre - roughly the population density of Penrith and the suburbs of most Australian cities - were at the highest risk. Those living in high-density areas - like inner CBDs - and those in more sparsely populated areas - like the countryside - had lower risks of dementia-related deaths. The researchers say this could be because inner cities have better access to diagnostic and care services, while country areas have fewer environmental stressors such as noise, air pollutants, and heat.