Air pollution may directly contribute to Alzheimers

7 days ago

Air pollution linked to higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease in a large US study.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from fossil fuels, wildfires, and industry penetrates lungs and bloodstream.
Study used Medicare data and postcode pollution levels but had limitations like indoor pollution variability.
Poverty and deprivation were considered, with Medicaid eligibility as a marker.
Pollution levels in studied areas were twice WHO’s recommended limit (5 µg/m³ annual PM2.5).
Increased Alzheimer’s risk persisted even after accounting for hypertension, stroke, and depression.
PM2.5 may harm the brain via inflammation, oxidative stress, and reduced blood flow.
Meta-analysis of 20 studies showed higher PM2.5 levels correlate with greater dementia risk.
Every 10 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 raised dementia risk by 40%, Alzheimer’s by 47%, and vascular dementia by 100%.
High PM2.5 levels in Africa, India, and China coincide with rising dementia rates.
Indonesia and China face significant dementia-related costs despite past emission reductions.
Urgent global action needed to lower pollution and curb dementia’s human and economic toll.

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