A groundbreaking study by the Epidemiology Unit of the Medical Research Council at the University of Cambridge has made a clear link between specific types of air pollution and an increased risk of developing dementia.
The research, conducted by scientists from the Epidemiology Unit of the Medical Research Council at the University of Cambridge, provides mandatory new evidence in the fight against a debilitating disease that is expected to meet 150 million people worldwide by 2050.
Published in the Lancet Planetary Health, the study analyzed 51 previous studies, which include data from more than 29 million people exposed to air pollutants for at least a year, The guardian reported.
Although air pollution was previously identified as a potential risk factor, this new study forms a positive and statistically significant link between three specific types of air pollutants and the start of dementia:
PM2.5: Fine particles from vehicle emissions, power plants and wood stoves and fireplaces.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): A gas that is mainly produced by burning fossil fuels.
Soot: Another particles that are derived from sources such as exhaust emissions of vehicles and burning wood.
These microscopic pollutants can penetrate deep into the lungs when they are inhaled and is already known to cause respiratory diseases and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.
The study also showed that for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter increase in PM2.5, the relative risk of an individual on dementia increases by 1%. For soot, the risk increases by 13% for the same level of exposure.
Taking care of his levels of soot and PM2.5 in locations along the road in large British cities – including Central London, Birmingham and Glasgow – in 2023 we approached or surpassed these thresholds.
Dr. Haneen Khreis, the senior author of the study, emphasized that the findings “offer further evidence to support the observation that long -term exposure to outside air pollution is a risk factor before the start of dementia in previously healthy adults.”
She added that tackling air pollution offers various benefits, including “long -term health, social, climate and economic benefits”, and “can reduce the enormous burden for patients, families and care providers, while the pressure on overburdened health care systems is facilitated.”
Researchers suggest that air pollution can contribute to dementia by causing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, a chemical process that can damage cells, proteins and DNA.
Despite the extensive nature of the assessment, the researchers acknowledged that most analyzed studies mainly contain white participants from a high income. They recommend that future research into air pollution includes a more diverse range of participants from marginalized backgrounds.
Dr. Isolde Radford, senior policy manager at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “This rigorous assessment contributes to increasing evidence that exposure to air pollution – from traffic fumes to wood burners – increases the risk of developing dementia.
“Air pollution is one of the most important changeable risk factors for dementia but it is not something that individuals can only solve. That is where the government’s leadership is vital. Although the 10-year health plan recognizes the health damage of air pollution, much more needs to be done to tackle this invisible threat.”
