Khaberni - A recent study conducted by Emory University in Atlanta has shown that high exposure to air pollution could increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, especially among the elderly.
Previous research has proven the link between air pollution and a number of chronic diseases, such as hypertension, stroke, and depression, which in turn are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's. However, the researchers pointed out that the question remained as to whether pollution directly affects brain health or increases dementia risk by first causing these chronic diseases.
Analysis of data from 27.8 million people
The study, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, was based on an analysis of data from more than 27.8 million beneficiaries of the American healthcare program “Medicare,” aged 65 and older, during the period between 2000 and 2018.
The researchers evaluated the levels of air pollution exposure among the participants and monitored whether they had developed Alzheimer's disease, focusing on the presence of other chronic diseases.
The results showed that higher levels of air pollution exposure were associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, and this association was slightly stronger among those who had previously had a stroke, while neither high blood pressure nor depression showed a significant additional effect in this context.
The researchers concluded that air pollution could contribute to Alzheimer's disease mostly through direct pathways, not just by causing other chronic diseases.
More Vulnerable Group
The study's authors pointed out that individuals with a medical history of stroke might be more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution on brain health, highlighting the intersection between environmental and vascular factors.
The accompanying press release stated that improving air quality could be an important way to prevent dementia and protect the elderly.
Expert Opinion
According to the network “Fox News,” the prominent medical affairs analyst Dr. Mark Siegel confirmed that more studies are revealing the link between Alzheimer's disease and conditions that affect the brain, which he described as “sensitive and fragile.”
He noted that the study does not prove a direct causal relationship, but shows an increasing association between air pollution and Alzheimer's disease, explaining that fine particles in the air may increase inflammation in the brain, contributing to the development of the disease.
He also considered that these results represent an “additional piece” in developing strategies for prevention, early diagnosis, and targeted treatments.
In turn, Osamah Ismail, Director of Scientific Programs at the Alzheimer's Association in Chicago, pointed out that the study adds new evidence to existing research on the impact of air pollution on public health, especially brain health.
He emphasized that Alzheimer's disease is complex, and several factors are likely to interact in determining the risk of developing it over a person's lifetime. He stressed that this field requires more research to understand the relationship between pollution and various factors that contribute to the disease.
A Changeable Risk Factor
The Lancet Commission on the prevention of dementia had listed exposure to air pollution as one of the known risk factors for developing dementia in 2020.
Experts confirm that avoiding exposure to air pollution could be a risk factor that some people can reduce or control, compared to other factors, underscoring the importance of environmental policies and efforts to improve air quality as part of a broader strategy for Alzheimer’s prevention.
