Toward a Built Environment that Supports Brain Health

Preventing Cognitive Decline: A Community Challenge

The article “De cabeza está muy bien” (“All Good in the Head”) by Varela (2025) emphasizes that cognitive decline is not an inevitable consequence of aging, and that several functions—such as semantic memory and emotional regulation—can actually improve with age.

Likewise, the Lancet Commission (Rodríguez, 2024) identifies up to 14 modifiable factors (sedentarism, smoking, obesity, hypertension, hearing/vision loss, social isolation...) which, if addressed early, could prevent nearly half of dementia cases.

To age well, medical or personal strategies are not enough: we need environments that promote healthy, active, connected and stimulating lifestyles.

Neuroarchitecture: Strategic Principles

Neuroarchitecture studies how spaces affect our emotions, cognition, and well-being. To support healthy brain aging, I propose four key design pillars:

a) Continuous Cognitive Stimulation

• Flexible zones for learning and play: Spaces with books, board games, puzzles, and materials for intergenerational workshops. These environments promote problem-solving, learning, and social interaction—essential to building cognitive reserve.

• Art and music rooms: Spaces for painting, group singing, or playing instruments. As highlighted in El País, group activities like choirs, theater, and games are effective for memory stimulation.

b) Active and Interconnected Mobility

• Safe, pedestrian-friendly streets: Well-lit walkways with ergonomic furniture (benches, handrails) and soft slopes encourage daily walks, helping to prevent sedentary behavior and hypertension.

• Greenways and biophilic circuits: Parks and landscaped walking paths that support circulation, reduce stress, and strengthen cardiovascular health—a key to maintaining brain volume.

c) Environments That Protect the Senses

• Visual and acoustic control: Reduce noise pollution, incorporate vegetation, and use absorbent materials to facilitate conversation and minimize cognitive overload.

• Easy access to sensory screenings: Neighborhood health clinics offering vision and hearing check-ups to detect and correct sensory deficits—critical for prevention.

d) Social Connectivity and Belonging

• Public plazas and housing with shared spaces: Porches, multipurpose rooms, cafés, and cultural events foster social interaction, reduce isolation, and lower the risk of depression.

• Intergenerational community programs: Activities involving children, teens, and older adults—like book clubs, gardening, or team sports—strengthen social cohesion and motivation to stay mentally active.

Practical Design Applications

Element	Application	Cognitive Benefit
Community library-coffee	Intellectual and emotional stimulation	Strengthens cognitive reserve
Pathways with pace sensors	Combines physical activity with biofeedback	Reduces sedentarism, supports vascular health
Therapeutic gardens	Vegetation for rest and social interaction	Lowers stress, improves attention
Inclusive street furniture	Benches with backrests and shade	Encourages outdoor presence and movement
Health modules	Routine vision/hearing check-ups	Early correction of sensory deficits

Integrating Neuroarchitecture into Neighborhoods and Housing

• Multisensory design: Natural lighting, soft colors, tactile textures, and calming scents stimulate perception and emotional well-being (Salingaros, 2006).

• Circular zoning: Buildings with central courtyards and connected paths promote exploration, casual encounters, and a strong sense of community.

• Progressive adaptability: Homes designed for long-term aging, including ramps, handrails, and universal-access bathrooms.

 Conclusion

Cognitive aging is not just about genes or medication—it is the result of active, social, stimulating and sensorially enriched lives (Dilani, 2001). Scientific data shows that the built environment can:

• Reduce dementia risk by up to 45% when paired with healthy lifestyle changes (World Health Organization, 2020).

• Strengthen cognitive reserve through lifelong learning, mobility, and social connection.

The real challenge is to design neighborhoods and housing that—not only meet functional needs—but become active promoters of brain health through neuroarchitectural principles.

References

1. Varela, M. (2025, junio 16). De cabeza está muy bien: cómo evitar el deterioro cognitivo al envejecer. El País. https://elpais.com/salud-y-bienestar/2025-06-16/de-cabeza-esta-muy-bien-como-evitar-el-deterioro-cognitivo-al-envejecer.html

2. Rodríguez, M. (2024, agosto 1). Los 14 factores de riesgo a evitar que, según la ciencia, podrían esquivar casi la mitad de las demencias. El País. https://elpais.com/ciencia/2024-08-01/los-14-factores-de-riesgo-a-evitar-que-segun-la-ciencia-podrian-esquivar-casi-la-mitad-de-las-demencias.html

3. Stern, Y. (2002). What is cognitive reserve? Theory and research application of the reserve concept. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 8(3), 448–460. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1355617702813248

4. Salingaros, N. A. (2006). Principles of Urban Structure. Techne Press.

5. Dilani, A. (2001). Psychosocially supportive design: A salutogenic approach to the design of the physical environment. Design and Health Scientific Review, 1(1), 91–96.

6. Zeisel, J. (2006). Inquiry by design: Environment/behavior/neuroscience in architecture, interiors, landscape, and planning. W. W. Norton & Company.

7. World Health Organization. (2020). Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia: WHO guidelines. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/risk-reduction-of-cognitive-decline-and-dementia