Dementia- often something we relate to ageing, but isn’t a normal part of ageing. It isn’t a single disease. Rather, it’s a set of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and behavior. It gradually chips away a person’s memory and social skills often stealing their identity in the process. But, did you know early signs of dementia can set in because of something you breathe in everyday? Yes, according to a new study, dementia was linked to air pollution. Read till the end to know more.
Understanding dementia
There are 55 million people with dementia, according to a report in 2020. It is expected to rise to 78 million in 2030 and 139 million 2050. The increase will especially be seen in developing countries. As mentioned before, dementia affects crucial aspects of your brain, like, memory, judgement, and social skills. it ends up affecting the quality of your life and eventually stealing your identity. These symptoms interfere with a person’s daily life.
A silver-lining
A few countries like parts of North America and Europe have seen a decline in dementia cases. This sounds promising as it suggests that dementia can be controlled at a population level. Could this be an effect of improved air quality in these countries? We need further research to fully understand this.
Dementia and it’s unseen foe
The numbers were alarming, and as expected, there has been a rise in dementia cases in the developing countries. In-fact, somewhere out there, every 3 seconds, someone is being diagnosed with dementia. A new research has linked the quality of air to dementia. In the meta-analysis involving almost 30 million people from across the globe, suggests that air pollution, especially from car exhausts increases the risk of dementia. With the number of vehicles rising every year, it’s no surprise our air is getting worse.
Three pollutants vs dementia
According to the study, dementia seems to have 3 foes-
- PM2.5- it refers to particulate matter. These tiny particles are small enough to be ingested into your lungs and eventually reach your brain. they can be from vehicle emissions, industries, powerplants, woodfire, and construction dust. Look around.. how many of these sources do you see? Comment below.
- Nitrogen Oxide- NO is released in the atmosphere when we burn fossil fuels. It is also found in vehicular exhaust, diesel exhaust and gas stoves. In high concentrations, they can irritate the respiratory system, worsening conditions like asthma.
- Soot- especially from vehicle exhaust and burning woods.it can travel deep into the lungs and affect heart and brain.
How do these pollutants affect your brain?
Most researchers believe these pollutants enter the lungs when we ingest them. Whilst inside, they affect the brain by showing up as symptoms like inflammation and oxidative stress. Both of these have a well established role in the onset of dementia.
Take home message
Given the evidence, reducing air pollution exposure could play a key role in lowering the risk of early death.
Future research must focus on ensuring broader representation across diverse communities and regions, so that public health strategies can be effective and equitable for all.
Stay informed, Stay healthy!
I’m curious—has this link between air pollution and dementia been scientifically proven? What kind of studies or testing methods were used to establish this connection?