Air pollution could increase risk of dementia, study finds


Air pollution may increase the risk of developing dementia, according to a new study published in the British Medical Journal. Specifically, inhaling small particles less than 2.5 microns (PM 2.5) in size "might be a risk factor for dementia," the study said.
The report's findings showed a 17-percent increase in dementia risk for every two-microgram increase of PM 2.5 per cubic meter of air, The Washington Post reports. According to a separate study published last month, 90 percent of the world's population is regularly exposed to unhealthy levels of PM 2.5. "Dementia is a massive problem worldwide," commented the new study's lead author, Marc Weisskopf. "If we can reduce exposure to these particles, we can reduce the burden of dementia."
The reasoning as to why particulate matter can lead to dementia is still being studied; however, "it's hypothesized that the very small particles of pollutants enter our bodies and penetrate our circulatory system, which helps fuel the brain," said Rebecca Edelmayer of the Alzheimer's Association. "These data illustrate that there are many factors across the life course that can contribute to our risk of dementia, and this includes the environment."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Currently, over 57 million people live with dementia, the Post notes. "For most individuals, a diagnosis of dementia is something they dread because ... there isn't much we can do to reverse it," Christina Prather, the clinical director of George Washington University's Institute for Brain Health and Dementia, told the outlet. "Most people do not have the ability to control or influence the quality of the air they breathe in their environment, so this is not a personal risk they can manage themselves."
"Part of what we are trying to do is bring more prominence to this," Weisskopf said. "Hopefully this risk is more likely to be incorporated in [discussions about dementia] in the future."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Devika Rao has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022, covering science, the environment, climate and business. She previously worked as a policy associate for a nonprofit organization advocating for environmental action from a business perspective.
-
September 1 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Monday’s political cartoons include Labor Day picnic, branding strategy, and more
-
What is Tony Blair's plan for Gaza?
Today's Big Question Former PM has reportedly been putting together a post-war strategy 'for the past several months'
-
When does autumn begin?
The Explainer The UK is experiencing a 'false autumn', as climate change shifts seasonal weather patterns
-
Scientists are speeding up evolution
Under the radar Proteins can evolve in minutes
-
Sloth fever shows no signs of slowing down
The explainer The vector-borne illness is expanding its range
-
A new subtype of diabetes was found and it may require different treatment
Under the radar It is prevalent in Black Africans and Americans
-
Texas declares end to measles outbreak
Speed Read The vaccine-preventable disease is still spreading in neighboring states, Mexico and Canada
-
RFK Jr. shuts down mRNA vaccine funding at agency
Speed Read The decision canceled or modified 22 projects, primarily for work on vaccines and therapeutics for respiratory viruses
-
Forever chemicals were found in reusable menstrual products. That is nothing new for women.
Under the Radar Toxic chemicals are all too common in such products
-
Scientists are developing artificial blood for use in emergencies
Under the radar It could aid in global blood shortages
-
Babies born using 3 people's DNA lack hereditary disease
Under the Radar The method could eliminate mutations for future generations