A major new study from researchers at Emory University, published in PLOS Medicine, suggests that greater exposure to air pollution may significantly increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The research followed more than 27.8 million U.S. Medicare recipients aged 65 and older between 2000 and 2018, making it one of the largest studies ever conducted on air pollution and Alzheimer’s risk.
Researchers examined participants’ long-term exposure to air pollution and tracked whether they developed Alzheimer’s disease. After adjusting for other chronic conditions, they found:
While the study does not prove cause and effect, it strengthens the growing body of evidence linking environmental toxins to neurodegeneration.
The connection between air pollution and Alzheimer’s risk is not new. In 2020, The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention added air pollution to its list of modifiable dementia risk factors.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is a complex disease influenced by a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposures.
What makes this new research notable is its conclusion that air pollution may directly impact brain tissue rather than solely increasing dementia risk through conditions like hypertension or stroke.
Experts suggest that particulate matter in polluted air can:
Chronic inflammation is widely recognized as a contributor to neurodegenerative disease. As researchers continue studying air pollution and Alzheimer’s risk, inflammation remains a key biological mechanism under investigation.
Air pollution exposure is widespread. From wildfire smoke to urban traffic emissions and industrial pollutants, many Americans are exposed daily to fine particulate matter.
The study’s findings suggest that improving air quality may be an important strategy in reducing dementia risk at the population level. However, individual awareness of environmental exposure may also play a role in long-term brain health.
If you are concerned about how environmental exposures may be impacting your long-term brain health, you can schedule a complimentary consultation with an MDLifespan physician to discuss your personal risk factors and options.
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Jessica Rafaeil is a journalist and wellness writer specializing in therapeutic plasma exchange, sleep, nutrition, and alternative medicine. With over eight years of experience covering health trends, she has contributed to publications such as US Black Engineer and IT, Women of Color, Hispanic Engineer, Digital Journal, and Sway’s Universe. Jessica combines journalism with branding expertise to elevate the voices of health-focused brands while advocating for diversity and inclusion in media.