a second study concluded that a reduction in pm2.5 levels over 10 years was connected to a 15 per cent reduction in the risk of all-cause dementia among older french adults and a 17 per cent drop in the chances of developing alzheimer’s disease for every microgram decrease of gaseous pollutant per cubic metre of air. “these data, for the first time, highlight the beneficial effects of reduced air pollution on the incidence of dementia in older adults,” said noemie letellier, a postdoctoral scholar at the university of california, san diego.
“the findings have important implications to reinforce air quality standards to promote healthy aging. in the context of climate change, massive urbanization and worldwide population aging, it is crucial to accurately evaluate the influence of air pollution change on incident dementia to identify and recommend effective prevention strategies.”
in a third study, exposure to air pollutants over long periods of time correlated to higher beta amyloid levels in the blood of a large sample of u.s. subjects, possible evidence of a biological link between air quality and the brain changes that precede alzheimer’s disease.
“we’ve known for some time that air pollution is bad for our brains and overall health, including a connection to amyloid buildup in the brain,” said claire sexton, the alzheimer’s association director of scientific programs and outreach. “but what’s exciting is we’re now seeing data showing that improving air quality may actually reduce the risk of dementia. these data demonstrate the importance of policies and action by federal and local governments, and businesses, that address reducing air pollutants.”