Associations of neighborhood environment with brain imaging outcomes in the Australian imaging, biomarkers and lifestyle cohort

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Alzheimer's & Dementia

Publisher

Elsevier

School

Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care / School of Medical and Health Sciences

RAS ID

22802

Comments

Cerin, E., Rainey-Smith, S. R., Ames, D., Lautenschlager, N., Macaulay, S., Fowler, . . . Ellis, K. (2017). Associations of neighborhood environment with brain imaging outcomes in the Australian imaging, biomarkers and lifestyle cohort. Alzheimer's and Dementia, 13(4), 388 - 398. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2016.06.2364

Abstract

Introduction

“Walkable” neighborhoods offer older adults opportunities for activities that may benefit cognition-related biological mechanisms. These have not previously been examined in this context.

Methods

We objectively assessed neighborhood walkability for participants (n = 146) from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle study with apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and two 18-month-apart brain volumetric and/or amyloid β burden assessments. Linear mixed models estimated associations of neighborhood walkability with levels and changes in brain imaging outcomes, the moderating effect of APOE ε4 status, and the extent to which associations were explained by physical activity.

Results

Cross-sectionally, neighborhood walkability was predictive of better neuroimaging outcomes except for left hippocampal volume. These associations were to a small extent explained by physical activity. APOE ε4 carriers showed slower worsening of outcomes if living in walkable neighborhoods.

Discussion

These findings indicate associations between neighborhood walkability and brain imaging measures (especially in APOE ε4 carriers) minimally attributable to physical activity.

DOI

10.1016/j.jalz.2016.06.2364

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