Could Road Noise DESTROY Your Memory? (Study)

By Jack Taylor Posted November 15, 2021

If you live in a busy, urban area you already know that road noise is just something you get used to dealing with.  

But no matter how long you’ve been ‘living’ with the sounds of a busy area, sometimes it’s good to escape the hustle-and-bustle of those city noises and surround yourself with the quietness and serenity of somewhere more rural. 

Well, it turns out that those little escapes to peace –and quiet are not only good for your overall sanity… 

It could actually SAVE your memory!  

According to a new, international research study recently published in The BMJ, living in areas with the constant racket of cars, buses, and trains can actually SPEED UP brain and memory decline! 

In fact, the study found that living near loud, busy roads can INCREASE your risk of Alzheimer’s disease by an astonishing 25%! 

That takes the old real estate adage ‘location, location, location’ to a whole new level! 

But how does ‘city living’ contribute to potential memory loss? It all has to do with the decibel levels (dB) of things like cars, buses, and trains.  

The study found that folks who were exposed for a decade to frequent traffic noise (which is on average 55 decibels) were 27% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who avoided long-term exposure.  

And the rumbling from trains (which is only 50 dB) was enough to raise the risk of Alzheimer’s by 24%! 

It turns out that prolonged exposure to loud noises (like cars, buses, and trains) disturbs sleep and releases vessel blocking stress hormones into your bloodstream, which reduces oxygen flow to the brain.  

This also can lead to changes in your immune system and increase overall inflammation – both of which are major risk factors for the onset of dementia AND Alzheimer’s. 

So, what does this all mean for you… especially if you already live in a busy area? 

After all, it’s not that simple to just pack up and move to the country! 

Believe it or not, there are actually other noises that can counteract the pitfalls of busy, traffic noises. 

Studies have found that listening to MUSIC can help enhance your cognitive function and promote your overall brain health.  

If you’re looking for a particular kind of music that is good for your brain, many studies have pointed to the unique beats and soothing sounds of jazz and classical music to be beneficial for mental health.  

So, the next time you find yourself bogged down by the noises of traffic in your area, consider lightly drowning it out with some music. It could go a long way in preserving your memory for years to come!