A recent study has uncovered a significant factor that can elevate the risk of dementia by up to 17 percent.
Currently affecting around six million individuals in the United States, the number of dementia cases is projected to increase to 12.7 million by 2050, as reported by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Dementia is marked by a ‘progressive or persistent’ decline in intellectual functioning, influencing memory, abstract thought, and even causing changes in personality.
Symptoms may include difficulty learning new tasks, trouble maintaining focus, challenges in participating in conversations, confusing objects for others, and experiencing unusual emotional responses or fear.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have discovered that our surroundings could elevate the risk of dementia, establishing a noteworthy connection between air pollution and the disease.
The study, featured in The Lancet Planetary Health, analyzed data from approximately 29 million dementia patients.
In total, 51 studies were examined, primarily focusing on high-income nations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
The research revealed that three types of air pollution could raise the risk of dementia by varying degrees.
One type is PM2.5, which refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less. These tiny particles, originating from cars, factories, and fires, can travel long distances, remain airborne for extended periods, and penetrate deeply into the lungs.
For each 10 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) increase in PM2.5 pollution, the risk of dementia rises by up to 17 percent.
As of the latest data from Aqicn.org, the maximum PM2.5 levels in New York measure 156.
Another pollutant is nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a gas produced from burning fuels such as car engines, gas stoves, and power plants.
NO2 can irritate the lungs and exacerbate asthma, with a three percent increase in dementia risk per 10 µg/m³.
According to Aqicn, New York’s maximum measurement is 23 for NO2.
Additionally, there’s soot, consisting of black particles from exhaust and wood burning. This not only harms the lungs and heart but also traps heat, adversely affecting the environment.
The study indicates that for every 1 µg/m³ of soot, the risk of dementia increases by 13 percent.
Dr. Haneen Khreis, a senior author from the MRC Epidemiology Unit, stated, “Our work provides 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.”
Khreis emphasized that addressing air pollution could lead to “long-term health, social, climate, and economic benefits,” potentially reducing the strain on patients, families, and healthcare systems.
Clare Rogowski, joint first author and also from the MRC Epidemiology Unit, added, “Efforts to reduce exposure to these key pollutants are likely to help reduce the burden of dementia on society.”
She highlighted the need for “stricter limits for several pollutants,” particularly targeting major sources like transport and industry, and called for “regional, national and international policy interventions to combat air pollution equitably.”