Recent studies underscore the major influence that air pollution has on the risk of various dementias. This includes Lewy body dementia, which is most troubling. Dr. Xiaobo Mao shared insights with The Guardian, emphasizing the profound implications of this research for prevention strategies against neurodegenerative disorders that currently affect millions globally.
That study included an exhaustive look at hospital records on more than 56.5 million Medicare patients across the United States. In pursuit of an answer, researchers looked at patients who were admitted for their first time in between 2000-2014 that showed presence of protein destruction associated with dementia. To do this, the researchers estimated these patients’ long-term exposure to PM 2.5 pollution — which is made up of airborne particles smaller than 2.5 thousandths of a millimeter. What they found – a significant link between dementia risk and air pollutants.
Dr. Mao noted the potential for impactful change, stating, “Unlike age or genetics, this is something we can change.” He further articulated that “the most direct implication is that clean air policies are brain health policies,” highlighting the need for systematic improvements in air quality.
To further support their findings, the research team conducted experiments using mice. To mimic the chronic PM2.5 pollution experienced in certain areas, they subjected the mice to pollution every other day for ten months. These recent findings indicate a causal association between the environmental exposures and the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases.
Prof. Charles Swanton, co-leader of the Rapid project—which aims to investigate the effects of air pollution on brain health—described the research as “an important and compelling study that deepens our understanding of how air pollution can drive neurodegenerative disease.” Taking in this new view comes to strengthen the urgency that air pollution must be treated like the public health concern that it is.
Ted Dawson, another principal investigator on the study, noted the robustness of the link between air pollution and Lewy body dementia. He stressed that when you combine those two factors, it creates a significant connection. In his view, air pollution represents the biggest risk factor for Lewy body dementia. We believe it’s one of the most significant underappreciated driving forces for dementia. He called for a concerted effort to improve air quality, asserting, “There needs to be a concerted effort to keep our air clean.”
Experts agree that a few key steps, if taken, could greatly improve air quality. These include reducing emissions from industrial activities, cutting vehicle exhaust emissions, improving wildfire management strategies, and minimizing wood burning in residential areas. Each one of these actions can help make a big dent in reducing PM2.5 in the air.
The growing body of research underscores the urgent need for policymakers and public health officials to prioritize air quality improvements as part of broader strategies aimed at combatting dementia and related diseases. Tackling air pollution offers an immediate and widespread return on investment by improving public health. It relieves society of the increasing load of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s.