Neighborhood greenspace as a social determinant of health and how associations with brain health outcomes may differ by race/ethnicity

Residential greenspaces such a parks and other areas of natural vegetation are social determinants of health that have been associated with brain health outcomes including Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD). Greenspace access is associated with reduced risk of ADRD‐related comorbidities and increased participation in risk‐reducing behaviors such as physical activity. Therefore, exposure to greenspace may present an ideal opportunity to encourage risk‐reducing behaviors while intervening on the impact of comorbidities on brain health. Although structural determinants of health such as residential segregation and the built environment may influence these outcomes, racial/ethnic minoritized groups are less likely to live in neighborhoods where physical activity is feasible. Additionally, such groups have elevated risk for comorbidities that may increase risk for ADRD. Yet few known studies have investigated greenspace and brain health by racial/ethnic group.