For years, there’s been a debate about what role, if any, air pollution plays in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
While numerous studies have found a link between the toxic particles we breathe and cognitive decline, many weren’t large enough to be considered definitive, and some studies disagreed with their findings entirely.
Now, however, the debate has been settled for good, and science has shown that air pollution is a real and present danger to your brain.
Here’s what you need to know about the dementia triple-threat hidden in air pollution and what you can do to fight back…
«SPONSORED»
The culmination of more than four dozen studies
Unlike previous studies, which relied on data from a single population of thousands or tens of thousands, the University of Cambridge’s research combined a treasure trove of results from 51 studies and over 29 million participants.
They then carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific literature to examine the link between Alzheimer’s and air pollution further to deliver “more robust overarching conclusions.”
Overall, the researchers found a positive and statistically significant association between three types of air pollutants and dementia…
- PM2.5 – This describes particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less, which means they are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs. Air pollution of this magnitude originates from various sources, including vehicle emissions, power plants, industrial processes, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, and construction dust. The research showed that for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) of PM2.5, the risk of dementia goes up by 17%. (PM2.5 air pollution is also linked to ischemic heart disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation.)
- NO2 – Nitrogen dioxide is found in vehicle exhaust, especially diesel exhaust, and industrial emissions. Not only is it bad for your brain, it can irritate your respiratory system, bringing on and worsening conditions like asthma and even reducing lung function. It takes just 10 μg/m3 of NO2 to raise your cognitive risk by 3%.
- Soot – Soot, from vehicle exhaust and burning wood, was also found to damage the brain. It can also aggravate respiratory diseases and increase the risk of heart problems. It only takes 1 μg/m³ of the soot found in PM2.5 to increase your chances of developing Alzheimer’s by 13%.
Sadly, each of those levels of pollutants can be found every hour in average roadside measurements in cities across our country and the world.
«SPONSORED»
Your brain on air pollution
The good news is that when you know that pollution is a danger to your brain, you can take steps to lessen the impact.
The key lies in understanding how the toxic particles you breathe fuel the development of Alzheimer’s in the first place, which researchers say involves two mechanisms — inflammation and oxidative stress.
Both oxidative stress and inflammation play a well-established role in the onset and progression of dementia.
According to the scientists, air pollution triggers these processes through direct entry to the brain or via the same processes underlying lung and cardiovascular diseases. It also enters your bloodstream from your lungs, traveling to your organs (including your brain), and sets off local and widespread inflammation.
Additionally, further analysis revealed that while exposure to these pollutants increased the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, the effect seemed stronger for vascular dementia, a type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.
«SPONSORED»
Brain-saving tips to fight pollution damage
So when you fight back against inflammation, oxidative stress and reduced blood flow to the brain, you fight back against the dementia dangers of air pollution.
Take these steps to just that…
- Eat to douse the fires that fuel dementia – One study found that eating an anti-inflammatory diet can slash dementia risk by 31%.
- Boost your brain’s blood supply– Plenty of fruits and vegetables are loaded with nutrients like flavonoids that support good brain function.
- Add an antioxidant cocktail – Dementia research found that taking three specific antioxidants could be the secret to repelling dementia.
Remember, while the research is settled, proving that air pollution really does cause dementia, the fight for your brain health is far from over.
Sources:
Is the air you breathe silently fueling dementia? A 29-million-person study says yes — Science Daily
Read full article here