Busy roads link to dementia 'intriguing but not conclusive': expert

A study has found people who live close to busy roads have a higher chance of developing dementia, but local experts say more investigation is needed.

People who live withing 50 metres of a busy road are at a higher risk of developing dementia, according to a recent study. Source: AAP

A study published in The Lancet medical journal found that people who lived within 50 metres of high-traffic roads had a 7 per cent higher chance of developing dementia compared to those who lived more than 300 metres away.

Alzheimer's Australia's Chief Medical Advisor, Associate Professor Michael Woodward, says while the research is intriguing, it’s far from conclusive.

“I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that we need to move away from roads to reduce our risk of Alzheimer’s, there are many possible explanations for this link.”

“It might be something in air pollution, it might be traffic noise, or socio-economic factors that lead people to need to buy cheaper housing nearer to busy roads."

More than 350,000 Australians are living with dementia - and the rates are increasing.

Dementia gradually robs people of their memories and brain function but researchers are yet to fully understand its origin.

For now, experts say there are simple things we can do to reduce the risk, including keeping fit and socially active.