News briefs

Exposure to traffic noise linked to higher dementia risk

Exposure to noise from traffic on roads and railways over a long period is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia, especially Alzheimer disease, suggests a study from Denmark, published in The BMJ. The researchers estimate that as many as 1216 out of the 8475 cases of dementia registered in Denmark in 2017 could be attributed to these noise exposures, indicating a great potential for dementia prevention through reduction in traffic‐related noise. The researchers analysed data from two million adults aged over 60 years and living in Denmark between 2004 and 2017. They estimated road traffic and railway noise at the most and least exposed sides of all residential addresses in Denmark. They then analysed national health registers to identify cases of all‐cause dementia and different types of dementia over an average of 8.5 years. They found 103 500 new cases of dementia during the study period. After taking account of potentially influential factors, the researchers found a 10‐year average exposure to road traffic and railway noise at the most and least exposed sides of buildings was associated with a higher risk of all‐cause dementia. These associations showed a general pattern of higher risk with higher noise exposure, but with a levelling off or even small declines in risk at higher noise levels. Both road traffic and railway noise were associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer disease — up to 27% higher for exposure to road traffic noise of 55 dB, and up to 24% higher for exposure to railway noise of 50 dB, compared with less than 40 dB. However, only road traffic noise was associated with an increased risk of vascular dementia. Possible explanations include release of stress hormones and sleep disturbance, leading to a type of coronary artery disease, changes in the immune system, and inflammation. This is an observational study so cannot establish cause.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n1954

Only one in five editors‐in‐chief of leading medical journals are women

Women remain under‐represented at the most senior position of international medical journals, according to a study investigating the gender distribution of editors‐in‐chief across 41 journal specialties. The results, published in JAMA Network Open, found that women represented just 21% of editor‐in‐chief positions, varying widely across specialties (with none at journals specialising in psychiatry and anaesthesiology, to 82% in genetics and heredity). Even in women’s health journals, the top editorial position was predominantly held by men rather than women. Researchers suggest multiple reasons for the disparity, including traditional gender roles with women shouldering greater responsibility for housework and childcare as well as needing to take career breaks for maternity leave. But they also argued that unconscious gender bias could lead to women’s academic achievements being undervalued and a perception that they are not suitable for senior leadership roles. A total of 410 journals and 444 editors‐in‐chief were included in the analysis, conducted in April 2021. All journals, regardless of their size and remit, have at least one editor‐in‐chief who oversees the production of content for publications. The finding that women are significantly under‐represented in this position tracks with previous studies, indicating that progress has been inadequate. The authors suggest providing key stakeholders with training on diversity, equity and inclusion, and unconscious gender bias, as well as having robust policies that establish gender quotas on editorial boards and remove tangible and intangible barriers to women’s career progression.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2784023