When the air becomes an enemy: pollutants that could trigger Alzheimer's, according to study
According to the study, the brain uses a 'gradual scale' to decide what to preserve. Photo: iStock
TL;DR
- Higher exposure to air pollution is linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.
- This association is stronger in individuals who have had a stroke, suggesting they may be more vulnerable.
- Air pollution is thought to contribute to Alzheimer's primarily through direct pathways, rather than solely through other chronic diseases.
- Hypertension and depression had a minimal additional impact on this association.
- Improving air quality could be an important strategy for preventing dementia and protecting older adults.
- The study analyzed data from over 27.8 million Medicare beneficiaries in the US aged 65 and older.
- Previous research has also indicated a role for air pollution in increasing dementia risk and potentially accelerating the disease's progression.