Rising Pollution Increasing the Risk of Dementia, Study Finds
Growing levels of air pollution are emerging as a serious threat not only to physical health but also to brain function, with new research indicating a strong link between long-term pollution exposure and an increased risk of dementia. Scientists warn that prolonged exposure to polluted environments can lead to neurological changes that raise the likelihood of developing dementia and related cognitive disorders.
According to the study, air pollution does not affect only the lungs and heart but also causes harmful changes in the brain. Continuous exposure to polluted air over extended periods can impair cognitive abilities and increase vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. Researchers observed that microscopic pollutants can trigger neurological damage, accelerating mental decline.
The findings were published in a reputed medical journal after a detailed analysis of post-mortem data. The research was conducted by the Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research at the University of Pennsylvania and was based on data from 602 individuals whose post-mortem examinations were carried out between 1999 and 2022. The study focused on deaths occurring between January and June each year, ensuring consistent analysis of long-term exposure patterns.
The average age of the individuals included in the study was 78 years, and all were diagnosed with dementia or dementia-related conditions. Among them, 328 were men, accounting for 54.5 percent of the sample, while 274 were women, representing 43.5 percent. Researchers found a significant association between exposure to PM2.5—fine particulate matter known to penetrate deep into the lungs—and the severity of dementia.
The study further revealed that higher PM2.5 exposure was closely linked to more advanced forms of Alzheimer’s disease-related neurological changes. Scientists noted that pollution-induced brain damage could accelerate cognitive decline and worsen existing dementia symptoms.
Experts caution that the findings highlight an urgent public health concern. They stress the need for stronger pollution control measures, improved air quality monitoring, and greater awareness of the neurological risks associated with long-term exposure to polluted air. Without effective intervention, researchers warn that rising pollution levels could contribute to a substantial increase in dementia cases in the coming years.
