Residential green space, cognitive function, and dementia: A systematic literature review
Jermon A. Drake, Daniel D. Biancamano, Diya Nadig, Andrea L. Rosso, Anna L. Marsland, Aidan G. C. Wright, Kirk I. Erickson, Peter J. GianarosAbstract
Green space may contribute to cognitive aging and dementia risk; however, previous reviews have not comprehensively examined effect modification by socioeconomic status (SES), race, and ethnicity. We searched Ovid Medline, APA PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science to systematically review studies on green space, cognitive outcomes, and dementia in adults published through April 2025 (PROSPERO registration: CRD42024496159). 51 studies were included. Most found green space to be associated with better cognitive function, slower cognitive decline, and lower dementia risk. Associations were generally stronger among those with lower SES. Few studies examined race and ethnicity as effect modifiers. Mental health explained 4–18% of the association between green space and cognitive function and 24% of the association with cognitive decline. Air pollution explained 25–67% of the association with dementia risk. Green space may be neuroprotective, especially among disadvantaged populations. Mental health and air pollution may partly explain neuroprotective effects of green space.