Regular exposure to air pollution, including that coming from car exhaust emissions, can increased your risk of dementia, according to an analysis of studies published on Friday.
Dementias such as Alzheimer's disease are estimated to affect more than 57.4 million people worldwide, a number that is expected to almost triple to 152.8 million cases by 2050.
The study, published in the journal The Lancet Planetary Health, showed that for every 10 micrograms per cubic metre of PM2.5, an individual's relative risk of dementia would increase by 17 per cent.
For each 1 micrograms per cubic metre of soot as found in PM2.5, the relative risk for the cognitive condition increased by 13 per cent. Soot comes from sources such as vehicle exhaust emissions and burning wood.
"These findings underscore the need for an interdisciplinary approach to dementia prevention. Preventing dementia is not just the responsibility of health care: this study strengthens the case that urban planning, transport policy, and environmental regulation all have a significant role to play," said joint first author Dr. Christiaan Bredell from the University of Cambridge.
Air pollution causes inflammation in the brain and oxidative stress (a chemical process in the body that can cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA), leading to the onset and progression of dementia.
"Tackling air pollution can deliver long-term health, social, climate, and economic benefits. It can reduce the immense burden on patients, families, and caregivers, while easing pressure on overstretched health care systems," said Dr. Haneen Khreis from the MRC Epidemiology Unit.
For the study, the team carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing scientific literature. They included 51 studies, including data from more than 29 million participants, mostly from high-income countries. Of these, 34 papers were included in the meta-analysis: 15 originated in North America, 10 in Europe, seven in Asia, and two in Australia.
The researchers found a positive and statistically significant association between particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and soot and dementia.
Further analysis revealed that the effect of exposure to these pollutants was stronger for vascular dementia -- a type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
'Green' Crackers Failed. Delhi Suffers Worst Post-Diwali Air In 5 Years
Reported by Shreya GhoshHealth Experts Warn Of Respiratory Risks Amid Worsening Post- Diwali Air Quality In Delhi
Asian News InternationalAAP Mocks Rekha Gupta Over Delhi Pollution, BJP Blames Citizens, Farm Fires
Edited by Manjiri ChitreDespite a 77.5 per cent drop in stubble burning, i.e., agricultural waste - normally a significant reason for air pollution in Delhi during the winter - AQI in the national capital plummeted to a five-year post-Diwali low Tuesday morning.
Nutritionist Lovneet Batra has shared a simple Ayurvedic drink on Instagram that, she says, may help soothe the respiratory tract and protect the lungs from pollution damage.
The festive season, coupled with seasonal weather changes and increased stubble burning in neighbouring states, has exacerbated pollution levels, prompting calls for preventive measures.
As Delhi's air quality drops again, these 11 hill stations offer clean air, calm views and mountain peace after Diwali.
AAP MLA Gopal Rai accused the Delhi government of "making excuses" and not taking action to prevent the pollution.
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