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I guess it could be linked to lead exposure and other toxins.

I kinda assumed it was more physical activity

Or maybe that people who have access to green spaces and lakes have higher incomes, and more money almost always gives you better health outcomes.

I read an article about a link to poor income areas having a higher rate of pollution. Turns out exposure to lead fumes from cars causes a drop in IQs and an increase in the chance of someone committing a crime.

To make matters worse this lead stays in the soil and can be released into the air at a later date.

I would say living in a healthier environment must have some sort of impact.

Why not both

it’s exposure to pollution. At least one study controlled for socioeconomic status and showed the relationship persisted.

Also chronic stress and inflammation. Many dementias seem to have an inflammation component to the neurodegeneration.

What year was this article from? What location?

https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/22650920/leaded-gasoline-eradicated-public-health

Just to throw out another possibility besides/in addition to pollution exposure: Viral infection has been shown to be a contributor to diseases like Alzheimer’s and MS, at least (not sure about Parkinson’s). I wonder if lower person-to-person contact in rural areas buffers people from infections and therefore these diseases.

Natural environments reduce emotional distress. Chronic stress increases inflammation, and the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352289518300079

Apparently the pattern holds even planting trees in inner-city neighborhoods:

https://www.sciencealert.com/people-in-portland-planted-trees-decades-later-a-stunning-pattern-emerged

Leaded gasoline was phased out more than forty years ago, but, yes, poor communities are far more polluted in many other ways.

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