According to researchers, approximately 188,000 cases of dementia in the United States each year may be attributed to air pollution. The study highlights the stronger links between bad air quality, such as pollution from wildfires and agriculture, and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia later in life.
Published in the journal JAMA Network Open, these new estimates further emphasize the range of health risks associated with air pollution that scientists have long warned about.
Previous studies have already established a connection between overall poor air quality and various health issues, including an increased risk of dementia. However, this study delves deeper into how specific causes of air pollution have a stronger correlation with dementia compared to others.
The findings are based on an analysis of data collected from a long-term survey supported by the National Institutes of Health, which follows up with older adults across the country every two years to assess their health. Researchers combined this data with detailed air quality modeling to estimate the potential exposure of individuals based on their specific geographical location.
The study focuses on PM 2.5 air pollution, which consists of very small particles measuring less than 2.5 micrometers wide that can be inhaled. These particles come from various sources, including vehicle exhaust and wildfire smoke, and have been linked to health issues such as respiratory problems, worsening asthma, and an increased risk of heart disease.
In their analysis, researchers took into account multiple factors that could potentially affect the results, including sex, race, ethnicity, educational status, and wealth. They also considered whether participants lived in urban or rural areas. However, the study acknowledges that there may be other factors throughout a person’s lifetime, such as birthplace, that could impact dementia risk, but were not included due to limited data.
Apart from emissions directly from wildfires and agriculture, the study also accounts for other forms of air pollution associated with these sources. For example, the smoke emitted from wildfires carries toxic molecules that can impact communities. Farming activities release ammonia gas, which, when combined with sunlight and other pollutants, can form particles that are toxic to the brain.
The researchers hope that these new findings will lead to more targeted interventions to address the risk of dementia associated with air pollution. Unlike other common risk factors that are difficult to modify at a population level, such as hypertension or diabetes, air pollution can be mitigated through large-scale prevention efforts.
In conclusion, this study reveals the significant impact of air pollution on dementia cases in the United States and underscores the urgent need for effective strategies to reduce air pollution and protect public health.
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