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Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Air pollution exposure linked to higher dementia risk, major study finds
Long-term exposure to air pollution may significantly raise the risk of developing dementia, according to a major new study involving nearly 29 million people. Published in The Lancet Planetary Health, the research was led by scientists at the University of Cambridge's MRC Epidemiology Unit. It reviewed 51 studies from across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia to better understand the relationship between air pollutants and cognitive decline. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Digital Marketing MBA others Public Policy Data Science Artificial Intelligence Design Thinking Healthcare PGDM Management Operations Management Cybersecurity Others Data Science Degree Leadership Data Analytics healthcare Finance CXO Project Management MCA Technology Product Management Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategies Customer Journey Mapping Paid Advertising Campaign Management Emerging Technologies in Digital Marketing Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Digital Marketing and Analytics Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategy Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Social Media Marketing & Advertising Data Analytics & Measurement Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate Programme in Digital Marketing Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details The study found strong evidence linking three common pollutants, PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and soot (black carbon), with an increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Key findings For every 10 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m³) increase in PM2.5, the risk of developing dementia rose by 17 percent. A 10 μg/m³ increase in NO₂ was linked to a 3 percent rise in dementia risk. Each 1 μg/m³ increase in soot was associated with a 13 percent higher risk. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter, small enough to enter deep into the lungs and potentially the brain. These particles come from sources such as vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, power plants, wood burning, and construction dust. Live Events Average roadside PM2.5 levels in Central London in 2023 were around 10 μg/m³, while NO₂ levels were approximately 33 μg/m³. Possible biological mechanisms Researchers believe air pollution may contribute to dementia through oxidative stress and inflammation, processes that damage brain cells and are known to play a role in the development of neurodegenerative conditions. Some pollutants may reach the brain directly via the bloodstream or through the olfactory nerve, while others may cause indirect effects through the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Unequal exposure The majority of participants in the analysed studies were white and from high-income countries. However, the researchers noted that marginalised and low-income communities, who are more likely to be exposed to air pollution, are underrepresented in research. 'Efforts to reduce exposure to these key pollutants are likely to help reduce the burden of dementia on society,' said co-author Clare Rogowski. Public health implications Globally, over 57 million people are estimated to be living with dementia. That number is projected to rise to 152.8 million by 2050, according to the World Health Organization. While other factors such as age, genetics, diet, and lifestyle play significant roles in dementia risk, researchers argue that environmental policies should be considered part of dementia prevention strategies. The study was funded by the European Research Council and the European Union's Horizon Europe Framework Programme.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Air pollution increases dementia risk, finds Cambridge study
If you thought air pollution just made you cough or ruined your morning jog, think again—scientists at Cambridge University are now warning that it could be messing with your mind, too. And no, we don't mean just in a 'bad vibes' kind of way. We're talking about a real risk of dementia. Yes, the same toxic air we breathe every day might be doing long-term damage to our brains, not just our lungs. The findings of the study is published in The Lancet Planetary Health. Researchers have found more evidence linking exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5)—that super-tiny gunk in the air from traffic, industry, wildfires, and more—with an increased risk of developing dementia later in life. These tiny particles are so small, they can slide past the body's defenses, sneak into the bloodstream, and even reach the brain. The systematic study of 51 studies looked at data from over 29 million participants who had been exposed to air pollutants for at least a year. So basically, pollution isn't just getting into your nose—it might be sneaking into your neurons. The scientists behind this research say they're seeing consistent patterns: the more polluted the environment, the higher the rates of cognitive decline and dementia, especially in older adults. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Iraq Solar Panels: See How Much It Will Cost To Install Them (See Prices) Solar Panel | Search Ads Learn More Undo But here's the kicker, it's not just seniors who need to worry. The damage appears to start much earlier in life, meaning the longer you live in polluted areas, the greater the risk could be. But air pollution is unique in that it's invisible, and for the most part, unavoidable—especially if you live in a busy city. Even indoor air isn't always safe (thanks, cooking fumes and dust mites). Dr Haneen Khreis, the senior author of the study, told The Guardian: '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 healthcare systems.' "In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we observed positive and statistically significant associations between incident dementia and previous long-term exposure to PM2·5, NO2, and BC/PM2·5 absorbance, in adults without dementia at baseline. We found no evidence for such an association with NOx, PM10, and annual O3, based on small numbers of studies," the researchers have said. How does air pollution cause dementia? Here's the gist: tiny particles in polluted air (like PM2.5 from cars, factories, and wildfires) can get breathed deep into your lungs and then slip into your bloodstream. From there, they can actually reach your brain. Once these particles are in your system, scientists believe they trigger inflammation and oxidative stress inside the brain. It's a bit like your immune system overreacting to an invader, and these constant 'mini fires' end up damaging brain cells and blood vessels. Over time, this can lead to memory loss, trouble focusing, and—yes—an increased risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Studies show people exposed to higher levels of air pollution are much more likely to get dementia. In fact, for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter increase in PM2.5, your dementia risk climbs by 17%. And with so many people living in polluted cities, the impact is massive—experts think hundreds of thousands of dementia cases each year may be tied to dirty air. So what can you do? Check your local air quality index (AQI) and try to stay indoors or wear a mask on days when pollution levels spike. Ventilate your home when cooking, and consider air purifiers, especially if you live near traffic or industry. Cambridge's research isn't the first to sound the alarm, but it adds weight to a growing pile of evidence: air pollution isn't just a climate or respiratory issue—it's a neurological one too.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
How does air pollution affect the brain?
A: Air pollution is increasingly being recognised as an important threat to brain health. Research has demonstrated that exposure to airborne pollutants like fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), and ozone can affect brain structure, functioning, and even increase the risk of neurological and mental health disorders. On July 24, for example, scientists reported in The Lancet Planetary Health that after analysing data in 51 studies representing more than 26 million adults across four continents and follow‑ups of up to 23 years, every additional 5 micrograms per cubic m (µg/m3) of PM2.5 particles in the air increased the risk of dementia by about 8%. They also found a 10 µg/m3 increase in NO 2 increased the same risk by around 3% and a 1 µg/m3 increase of soot did so by 13%. The researchers rated the overall certainty of the evidence to be 'moderate'. Because the harmful pollutants mainly come from traffic, industry, and burning fuels, they argued that improving air quality could meaningfully cut future dementia risk in the population, lower healthcare expenses and easing familial burdens.
NDTV
5 days ago
- 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.)
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'Significant evidence' ties air pollution with dementia, study finds
ST. PAUL, Minn., July 24 (UPI) -- British researchers said Thursday they've found "significant evidence" of a long-suspected link between air pollution and dementia after studying data from nearly 30 million people across four continents. The authors of a paper published in The Lancet Planetary Health reviewed data compiled from 32 studies that involved more than 29 million participants, mostly from high-income countries in Europe, North America and Asia, as well as Australia, to "provide more robust overarching conclusions" about the suspected connection. After crunching the numbers from those studies, University of Cambridge researchers said they had identified a "positive and statistically significant association" between dementia and long-term exposure to three types of air pollutants: fine particulate matter with diameters of 2.5 microns or less, nitrogen dioxide, and soot from sources such as vehicle exhaust emissions and burning wood. They also concluded the risks of dementia go up as the levels of exposure increase, especially for the tiny particulate matter, which is so small it can be inhaled deeply into the lungs. For such "PM2.5," every 10 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) of long-term exposure increases an individual's relative risk of dementia by 17%, they found. To put that into perspective, they noted the average roadside measurement for PM2.5 in central London in 2023 was 10 μg/m³. Similarly, for every 10 μg/m³ of long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide, the relative risk of dementia increased by 3%, while the dementia risk jumped by 13% for each 1 μg/m³ of soot exposure. The study, which was funded by the European Union's scientific research arm, also noted that while traffic-related air pollution is common in cities in high-income countries, "marginalized groups" from low- and middle-income nations and communities not included in the analysis tend to have higher exposures to air pollution and are likely at even greater risk. Senior author Dr. Haneen Khreis of Cambridge's MRC Epidemiology Unit said the findings provide "further evidence to support the observation that long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution is a risk factor for the onset of dementia in previously healthy adults." She added that the mounting evidence makes the case for cleaner air even stronger -- not only for the sake of human health but also for the ability of care systems to cope with the exploding numbers of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. The 57 million people already affected worldwide are expected to almost triple to 153 million cases by 2050, and reducing that avalanche of future illness will require "less burning of fossil fuels, a move to renewable clean energy, a move to clean transportation options, such as walking and cycling, and enacting climate change mitigation strategies," Khreis told UPI in emailed comments. "A coordinated effort would be a multisector, systems-level response -- not unlike how we've approached other public health crises." She and her Cambridge colleagues two years ago created an interactive "evidence map" of hundreds of possible urban policy interventions available by geography to reduce traffic-related emissions and air pollution, which they set up as an aid for planners to become aware of options of which they may not have been previously aware. "There are indeed many options available," Khreis said. "But in short, we need a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach that views air pollution mitigation as an upstream intervention for brain health, and so many other outcomes that are now convincingly linked to air pollution. We need political will and courage to address this health hazard." Suspected in brain inflammation Scientists has been seeking to establish a definitive link between air pollution and dementia for a decade, as several previous studies have suggested such a connection. For instance, the British government's Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants reviewed nearly 70 studies in human populations and reported in 2022 that "it is likely that air pollution does contribute" to a decline in mental ability and dementia in older people, although they qualified that more research is needed before recommendations could be issued "with confidence." The 2024 Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care, meanwhile, identified air pollution as one of 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia. Most theories about the link center around how air pollution can trigger inflammation in the brain and "excessive oxidative stress," in which the body's ability to combat free radicals with antioxidants is overwhelmed. There is "a wealth of expanding literature that investigates this question," Khreis said, noting that some research indicates the ultrafine particles may be able to bypass the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain directly via the olfactory nerve, thus triggering inflammation. Indirectly, these inhaled pollutants can trigger systemic inflammation and immune responses, such as when they enter the circulatory system and travel to solid organs. The particles can cross into the brain and disrupt microglial function and promote amyloid-β plaque formation, which is associated with dementia, she said. Experts comment Experts and other researchers who have looked at the possible link between air pollution and dementia, but were not connected to the current study, weighed on its findings when contacted by UPI. Dr. Isolde Radford, senior policy manager at the British charitable group Alzheimer's Research U.K., agreed that air pollution "is not just an environmental issue -- it's a serious and growing threat to our brain health. If no one were exposed to air pollution, there would be three fewer cases of dementia for every 100 people who develop it now." She called the current study a "rigorous review [that] adds to mounting evidence that exposure to air pollution -- from traffic fumes to wood burners -- increases the risk of developing dementia," and specifically noted marginalized groups are often exposed to higher levels of pollution, yet remain underrepresented in research. "Future studies must reflect the full diversity of society -- because those most at risk could stand to benefit the most from action," Radford added, calling on the British government to institute a "bold, cross-government approach to health prevention -- one that brings together departments beyond health ... to take coordinated action on the drivers of dementia risk" and move up existing timelines to produce cleaner air. Dr. Hao Chen, a researcher at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital in China and author of a recent study linking atmospheric pollutants with the progression of cardiometabolic disorders and subsequent dementia, called the Cambridge paper an important document. "This is a landmark study that significantly advances our understanding of the link between air pollution and dementia," he told UPI in emailed comments, noting it is "the largest and most comprehensive meta-analysis to date, significantly advancing previous reviews by including new pollutants and rigorous bias/certainty assessments." It reinforces the findings of the 2024 Lancet Commission, he said, adding, "The public health implications are profound. The findings suggest that efforts to reduce air pollution -- particularly from traffic and industrial sources -- could play a crucial role in lowering the global burden of dementia. "Investing in cleaner air is not only beneficial for respiratory and cardiovascular health; it is a critical investment in protecting our brain health and cognitive longevity. This research provides a compelling, evidence-based mandate for policymakers worldwide to implement stricter air quality standards as an urgent dementia prevention strategy," Chen said. Victoria Williams, an assistant professor of geriatrics and gerontology, and noted Alzheimer's disease researcher at the University of Wisconsin, said the findings suggest "a moderate level of certainty that outdoor air pollution exposure increases risk for dementia, with the studies included considered to be at minimal risk for bias." Since there is currently no cure for dementia, "prevention is key to reducing its overall incidence in our society," she added. "Thus, minimizing exposure to air pollution does reflect a promising strategy in reducing the overall burden of dementia," and unlike other known risk factors linked to lifestyle choices such as smoking and a poor diet, societal action could make a difference. "Limiting exposure to ambient air pollution is well adept to being addressed at a policy level where reductions can offer broad protective effects to a society as a whole," Williams said.
