Does living near power lines increase dementia risk? Most research does not show a clear link between the two. Scientists have studied this question for years because power lines create electromagnetic fields, or EMFs, that some people worry might harm the brain over time.
EMFs from power lines are a type of low-frequency radiation. These fields drop off quickly with distance, so they are weakest far from the lines. Early concerns came from animal studies and lab tests hinting at possible effects on cells, but human studies have not proven any real danger for dementia.
Large reviews of evidence, like those using methods called Mendelian randomization, look at known risks for dementia such as smoking, high blood pressure, or low education. Living near power lines does not appear on these lists of proven factors. For example, one review checked modifiable risks and found no causal tie to EMFs from power lines.
Some older studies suggested a small possible increase in health issues near high-voltage lines, but newer long-term studies on thousands of people found no added dementia risk. Experts from groups like the World Health Organization say the evidence is weak and does not support moving away from power lines to avoid dementia.
Other factors matter more for brain health. Things like staying active, eating well, and keeping your mind sharp through learning have stronger links to lower dementia odds. Research shows good education and social ties in early life can protect the brain decades later.
While no study rules out every tiny risk, the overall data points to no meaningful connection between power lines and dementia.
Sources
https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.70912
https://news.utexas.edu/2025/12/09/tackling-dementia-from-every-angle/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12676184/
https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000214343
