Atlanta, Georgia – People exposed to high levels of traffic-related air pollution may be at a higher risk of developing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study published in the journal Neurology. The study found a strong association between inhaling tiny airborne particulates, such as those from diesel exhaust, and the presence of Alzheimer’s-related plaques in the brain tissue of individuals who had not been genetically predisposed to the disease.
Lead author of the study Anke Huels, from Emory University’s School of Public Health, emphasized the potential impact of environmental factors like air pollution on Alzheimer’s disease. While the study does not definitively prove a causal relationship, it highlights the importance of considering the role of air pollution in cognitive decline.
Researchers examined brain tissue from 224 donors in Atlanta, Georgia, and found that those living in areas with higher traffic-related pollution levels had more Alzheimer’s-related plaques at death compared to those in areas with lower pollution concentrations. The study’s findings underscore the potential risks associated with exposure to high levels of air pollution.
Additionally, the study sheds light on the disparities in exposure to particulate matter and traffic-related pollution, with poorer communities and communities of color often bearing a greater burden due to the location of highways and roadways. This raises concerns regarding health equity and the need to address environmental justice issues related to air pollution exposure.
Experts point to a growing body of research linking air pollution to various health outcomes, including cognitive decline, mood disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease. These findings highlight the urgent need for political action and individual behavioral changes to mitigate exposure to harmful air pollutants.
Addressing air pollution requires a multifaceted approach, from individual actions like limiting time outdoors during high pollution concentrations to broader measures such as promoting electric vehicles and public transportation. Huels emphasizes the need for political decisions and structural changes to reduce air pollution levels and prioritize public health. Ultimately, the study underscores the pervasiveness of air pollution’s impact on brain health and the importance of taking proactive steps to minimize exposure.