Long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution linked to increased risk of dementia
15 days ago
- #air-pollution
- #public-health
- #dementia
- Air pollution, including car exhaust emissions, increases the risk of dementia.
- Dementia affects over 57.4 million people globally, expected to rise to 152.8 million by 2050.
- A study analyzed 51 studies involving 29 million participants, mostly from high-income countries.
- Three air pollutants linked to dementia: PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and soot.
- PM2.5 increases dementia risk by 17% per 10 μg/m³, NO2 by 3%, and soot by 13% per 1 μg/m³.
- Mechanisms include brain inflammation and oxidative stress triggered by pollutants.
- Marginalized groups and low-income countries are underrepresented in studies despite higher exposure.
- Reducing air pollution could lower dementia burden and benefit health, climate, and economy.
- Stricter pollution limits and interdisciplinary policies are needed for prevention.