Neighborhood greenspace and neighborhood income associated with white matter grade worsening: Cardiovascular Health Study

Introduction: We examined whether a combined measure of neighborhood greenspace and neighborhood median income was associated with white matter hyperintensity (WMH) and ventricle size changes.

Methods: The sample included 1260 cognitively normal ≥ 65-year-olds with two magnetic resonance images (MRI; ≈ 5 years apart). WMH and ventricular size were graded from 0 (least) to 9 (most) abnormal (worsening = increase of ≥1 grade from initial to follow-up MRI scans). The four-category neighborhood greenspace-income measure was based on median neighborhood greenspace and income values at initial MRI. Multivariable logistic regression tested associations between neighborhood greenspace-income and MRI measures (worsening vs. not).

Results: White matter grade worsening was more likely for those in lower greenspace-lower income neighborhoods than higher greenspace-higher income neighborhoods (odds ratio = 1.73; 95% confidence interval = 1.19-2.51).

Discussion: The combination of lower neighborhood income and lower greenspace may be a risk factor for worsening white matter grade on MRI. However, findings need to be replicated in more diverse cohorts.

Highlights: Population-based cohort of older adults (≥ 65 years) with greenspace and MRI dataCombined measure of neighborhood greenspace and neighborhood income at initial MRIMRI outcomes included white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and ventricular sizeLongitudinal change in MRI outcomes measured approximately 5 years apartWorsening WMH over time more likely for lower greenspace-lower income neighborhoods.