Latest news with #MRCEpidemiologyUnit
NDTV
25-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Car Emissions, Air Pollution Linked To Higher Dementia Risk: Study
New Delhi: Regular exposure to air pollution, including that coming from car exhaust emissions, can increased your risk of dementia, according to an analysis of studies published on Friday. Dementias such as Alzheimer's disease are estimated to affect more than 57.4 million people worldwide, a number that is expected to almost triple to 152.8 million cases by 2050. The study, published in the journal The Lancet Planetary Health, showed that for every 10 micrograms per cubic metre of PM2.5, an individual's relative risk of dementia would increase by 17 per cent. For each 1 micrograms per cubic metre of soot as found in PM2.5, the relative risk for the cognitive condition increased by 13 per cent. Soot comes from sources such as vehicle exhaust emissions and burning wood. "These findings underscore the need for an interdisciplinary approach to dementia prevention. Preventing dementia is not just the responsibility of health care: this study strengthens the case that urban planning, transport policy, and environmental regulation all have a significant role to play," said joint first author Dr. Christiaan Bredell from the University of Cambridge. Air pollution causes inflammation in the brain and oxidative stress (a chemical process in the body that can cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA), leading to the onset and progression of dementia. "Tackling air pollution can deliver long-term health, social, climate, and economic benefits. It can reduce the immense burden on patients, families, and caregivers, while easing pressure on overstretched health care systems," said Dr. Haneen Khreis from the MRC Epidemiology Unit. For the study, the team carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing scientific literature. They included 51 studies, including data from more than 29 million participants, mostly from high-income countries. Of these, 34 papers were included in the meta-analysis: 15 originated in North America, 10 in Europe, seven in Asia, and two in Australia. The researchers found a positive and statistically significant association between particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and soot and dementia. Further analysis revealed that the effect of exposure to these pollutants was stronger for vascular dementia -- a type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Can just 11 minutes of walking increase your lifespan? New study offers surprising insight
When it comes to longevity, pounding the treadmill or hitting the gym isn't the only way to add years to your life. A groundbreaking study out of the UK suggests that a mere 11 minutes of walking each day can significantly cut your risk of dying prematurely. In a world where time is always in short supply, this revelation feels almost too good to be true. From Couch to Cure: The Power of a Simple Stroll We've all heard the public health mantras: 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. But for many, those targets can seem daunting when life's demands tug at every spare minute. Enter the humble daily walk—the unassuming hero of this new research. Scientists at the MRC Epidemiology Unit and Cambridge University analyzed decades of data and concluded that lacing up your shoes for just 11 minutes a day could prevent one in ten early deaths. According to a report from UNILAD , Dr. Soren Brage, one of the study's lead authors, explains that small steps lead to big changes. 'If the idea of 150 minutes of activity a week feels overwhelming, our findings should be good news,' he says. 'Doing some physical activity is better than none. Once 75 minutes feels manageable, you can gradually work toward the full recommended amount.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Crossout 2.0: Supercharged Crossout Play Now Undo Heart Health and Cancer Prevention on Your Doorstep Beyond simply extending lifespan, walking offers powerful protection against disease. According to the study, reaching even the lower benchmark of 75 minutes of moderate activity per week slashes cardiovascular disease risk by 17 percent and reduces cancer risk by 7 percent. Dr. James Woodcock, another researcher, emphasizes that the benefits are profound even at modest levels of exertion. 'We found substantial heart health gains and cancer risk reduction from just ten minutes of daily activity,' he notes. For those who can commit to the full 150 minutes weekly, the rewards multiply: one in six premature deaths could be averted, along with one in nine cases of heart disease and one in 20 cancers. Such figures underscore the remarkable impact of movement—no marathon required. You Might Also Like: Are you 'walking' yourself into heart problems? New study reveals how your stride speed can save your life Agencies According to the study, 75 minutes of weekly moderate exercise reduces cardiovascular disease risk by 17% and cancer risk by 7%. Rethinking 'Exercise': Finding Joy in Motion The word exercise often evokes images of sweaty gyms or grueling boot camps. But moderate activity encompasses far more. Dr. Leandro Garcia of Queen's University Belfast urges readers to redefine what counts as exercise. 'Sometimes replacing habits is all you need,' he says. Swapping the car ride for a brisk cycle, chasing grandchildren in the park, or even tending the garden all contribute to your weekly activity tally. The key, Dr. Garcia argues, is to choose activities you enjoy and can easily weave into your routine. When motion becomes a source of pleasure rather than punishment, consistency follows—and so do the health benefits. Small Steps, Big Impact In an era when every second seems pre-booked, the notion that eleven minutes of walking could stave off disease and death feels almost revolutionary. Far from being a trivial suggestion, this modest daily commitment represents a lifeline for busy professionals, parents, and retirees alike. It is a reminder that fitness need not be an all-or-nothing pursuit; even the briefest stroll can set you on the path to a longer, healthier life. So tomorrow, when you find yourself pressed for time, consider this: an eleven-minute walk might just be the healthiest decision you make all day. You Might Also Like: 'Walking' for exercise? Scientist says you are probably doing it wrong. Here is how to fix it You Might Also Like: Passenger offers seat to elderly man on bus, walks away with a life-changing lesson
