An analysis of studies that includes data from about 30 million people has highlighted the role that air pollution – which plays the increasing risk of dementia – from car pathway emissions.
Alzheimer’s disease, such as dementia, estimates more than 57.4 million people worldwide, which is expected to rise about 152.8 million cases by 2050 to 2050. Its effects on individuals, families and careers and large -scale society are very high.
Although there are some indications that the spread of dementia in Europe and North America is decreasing, which shows that it is possible to reduce the risk of the disease at the population level, the image is less promising elsewhere.
Air pollution has recently been identified as a risk factor in dementia, with numerous studies identified on several pollution. However, the strength of the evidence and the ability to determine the effect for some reason is different.
In an article published on July 24 The health of the lance of planetsMedical Research Council (MRC) Epidemology Unit, led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, conducted a systematic review of the existing scientific literature and meta -analysis to further examine the link. This approach allowed them to collect the study, which they themselves could not provide enough evidence, and who sometimes do not agree with each other, so that they can draw more strong conclusions.
Overall, researchers consisted of 51 studies, including data from more than 29 million participants, mostly from high -income countries. Of these, 34 were included in the meta analysis: 15 in North America, 10 in Europe, seven in Asia, and two in Australia.
Researchers found a positive and important association in terms of three types of air pollution and dementia. These were:
- 2.5 Micron or partial matter with diameter (Prime Minister2.5JesA pollution made of small particles is so small that they can breathe deeply in the lungs. These particles come from several sources, including vehicles, power plants, industrial processes, wooden burning stoves and fireworks and construction dust. They are also made in the environment because of complex chemical reactions, other pollutions such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. The particles can stay in the air for a long time and make a long journey from where they were prepared.
- Nitrogen dioxide (no2JesAn important pollution that arises from burning foam fuel. It is found in vehicles, especially diesel paths, and industrial emissions, as well as gas stoves and heater -related people. High concentration of nitrogen dioxide can disturb the respiratory system, deteriorate and reduce conditions like asthma, and reduce lung function.
- KageSources from sources such as emissions and burning wood. It can trap heat and affect the climate. When breathed, it can penetrate deep into the lungs, promote respiratory diseases and increase the risk of heart problems.
According to researchers, the Prime Minister’s 10 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/mB)2.5The relative risk of a person’s dementia will increase by 17 %. Average measurement of roadside for prime minister2.5 In Central London, 2023 had 10 g/m for.
For every 10 μg/m3 Not2Relatively Risk risk increased by 3 %. Average measurement of roadside for number2 In Central London, 2023 had 33 ۔g/MUM.
As the Prime Minister is found in every 1 μg/mumber mascara2.5Relatively Risk risk increased by 13 %. All over the UK, the annual Central concentration of the selected roadside locations in 2023 was 0.93 μg/mme in London, 1.51 μg/mumber in Birmingham and 0.65 μg/m for Glasgow.
Dr. Henine Kharis, senior author of the MRC epidemiology unit, said: “Evidence of pandemic diseases plays an important role in determining whether air pollution increases the risk of dementia and how much.
“Tackling air pollution can provide long -term health, social, climate and economic benefits. It can reduce the burden on patients, families and careers, while facilitating pressure on the health care system.”
Several mechanisms suggest how air pollution can cause dementia, mainly inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain (a chemical process in the body that can damage cells, proteins and DNA). Both oxidative stress and inflammation play a established role in the onset and development of dementia. Air pollution is thought to mobilize these processes through direct admission to the brain or through the same mechanism under the lungs and cardiovascular diseases. Air pollution can also enter the lungs in circulation and travel to solid organs, which begins local and widespread inflammation.
Researchers said that the majority of the people involved in the published studies lived in white and high -income countries, though backward groups are at greater risk of air pollution. Given that studies suggest that reducing air pollution exposure to backward groups is more beneficial to reduce the risk of early death, demanding future work to ensure immediate and appropriate representation in generations and lower and middle -income countries and communities.
Joint First Author Claire Rogosky, who is from the MRC epidemiology unit, also said: “Efforts to reduce the exposure of these important pollution can help reduce dementia burden on society. Strict limits for many pollution need to be used on the industry.
Further analysis has revealed that when the exposure to these pollution has increased the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, its effect seems stronger for vascular dementia, a variety of dementia due to reducing blood flow to the brain. About 180,000 people are believed to be affected by this type of dementia in the UK. However, since there were only little studies to examine this difference, researchers did not give it a significant status in terms of statistics.
Dr. Cristian Bradel, the first author of the University of Trust University of the University of Cambridge and the North West Anglea NHS Foundation, said: “These results emphasize the need for an inter -art approach to prevent dementia. The development of the environment is not the only way to prevent the development of dementia. The role is. “
This research was provided by the European Research Council under the Auxiliary 2020 Research and Innovation Program and under the EU’s horizon Europe Framework Program.
