Air pollution raises risk of dementia, say Cambridge scientists | Air pollution
Exposure to some forms of air pollution is linked to the increase in the risk of development of dementia according to the most comprehensive work of the species.
It is estimated that the disease affects approximately 57 million people worldwide, and the number is expected to rise to at least 150 million cases by 2050.
The report produced by researchers at the Epidemiology Unit of Cambridge University of the Medical Research Council included a systematic examination of 51 studies.
At least one year, he attracted data from more than 29 million participants who have been exposed to air pollutants.
Although air pollution has already been defined as a risk factor for dementia, the research, which is the most comprehensive study of its type to date, has found that there is a positive and statistically significant relationship between three types of air pollutants and dementia.
The pollutants were: Car emissions, power plants and wood burns stoves and pm2.5 from fireplaces; nitrogen dioxide caused by the burning of fossil fuels; And the institution from sources such as vehicle exhaust emissions and burning wood.
When inhaled, these pollutants can penetrate the lungs in depth and are associated with various respiratory diseases and some risk of heart problems.
More specifically, the study found PM2.5 for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter and the risk of a relative dementia of an individual will increase by 17%. The risk increased by 13%by using equivalent figures for the institution.
The institution and PM2.5 levels approached or exceeded these levels in 2023 on roadside places in London, Birmingham and Glasgow.
The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease and about 982,000 people in the UK have disease. Symptoms include memory loss, difficulty of concentrating and mood changes.
Dr. Haneen Khreis, the senior writer of the study, said that long -term exposure to open air pollution is a risk factor for the beginning of the dementia in healthy adults, ”he said.
“Struggling with air pollution can provide long -term health, social, climate and economic benefits. It alleviates the pressure on extremely stretched health systems and may reduce the tremendous burden on patients, families and caregivers.”
Air pollution may cause inflammation in the brain and causes oxidative stress, which is a chemical process that can damage cells, proteins and DNA in the body.
The researchers acknowledged that the report was limited as the majority of the analyzed studies contain participants living in white and living in high -income countries. They said that future studies should contain more participants than marginal pasts.
Dr. Isolde Radford, the Senior Policy Manager of Alzheimer Research UK, said: “This meticulous study contributes to evidence that exposure to air pollution from traffic fumes to wood burners increases the risk of development.
“Air pollution is one of the most important risk factors for dementia – but it is not something that individuals can solve alone. It is the place where government leadership is vital.
“While the 10 -year health plan accepts the health damages of air pollution, it needs to be done much more to overcome this invisible threat.
“Alzheimer’s Research UK brings together to take a coordinated action on the driving forces of the risk of dementia, including a brave, inter-governmental approach to prevention of health.”
Published in the Report LANCET planetary health.
