Event Description
Presented by: Drs. Ingrid Jarvis and Michael Brauer (Physical Environment domain co-lead)
October 20, 2026 at 12 PM PT/3 PM ET
Urban greenspace is a potential environmental factor linked to cognitive health, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and AD-related dementias (ADRD). Yet findings remain mixed, in part because studies use a wide range of greenspace measures that may capture different pathways linking the environment to brain health.
In this webinar, we will summarize evidence on urban greenspace and dementia, with a particular focus on how greenspace exposures should be conceptualized and measured in aging research. Drawing on recommendations from an interdisciplinary expert working group, we will discuss hypothesized mechanisms—including stress reduction, attention restoration, physical activity, social engagement, and reduced exposure to environmental harms—and consider how these pathways inform the selection of exposure measures.
We will review commonly used data sources and measurement approaches, highlighting the strengths and limitations of indicators such as tree canopy, parks, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The webinar will conclude with recommendations for selecting and applying greenspace measures in dementia and cognitive aging research, future research priorities, and opportunities to strengthen the rigor, comparability, and policy relevance of evidence on environmental influences on brain health.