How Air Pollution Could Be Impacting Your Brain Health
You may not think about it often, but the air you breathe has a significant impact on your overall health. Researchers have begun exploring the link between air pollution and brain health in recent years. Studies have shown that exposure to air pollution can cause a number of negative impacts on the brain, including cognitive decline, dementia, and even Alzheimer’s disease. If you just went home from a virgin festival where everyone was smoking, or in general, you live in an area with high levels of air pollution, take steps to protect your brain health. In this article, we will explore the impacts of air pollution on brain health and how you can protect yourself.
Increased Risk of Getting Dementia
One of the most well-established links between air pollution and brain health is an increased risk of dementia. A study published in The Lancet discovered that people living in places with high levels of air pollution were more likely to develop dementia than those who lived in cleaner areas. The study followed over 1,000 people for three years and found that exposure to air pollution was associated with a growing risk of dementia.
While the link between air pollution and dementia is still being explored, it is thought that air pollution may contribute to the development of dementia by causing inflammation in the brain. Inflammation is a natural process that helps the body heal from injury or disease. However, inflammation in the brain can damage delicate neurons and lead to cognitive decline.
Growing Chance to Get Parkinson’s Disease
Another study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that people exposed to high levels of air pollution were more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. The study followed over 100,000 people for 14 years and found that those exposed to higher levels of air pollution were more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.
While the exact mechanism by which air pollution causes Parkinson’s disease is not yet known, it is thought that the tiny particles in air pollution may be able to penetrate the brain and damage the neurons that produce dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that helps regulate movement and balance. When dopamine-producing neurons are damaged, it can lead to the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors and difficulty walking.
Cognitive Deficits and Brain Abnormalities in Young Children
Did you know that young children are a group in which air pollution has particularly negative effects on brain health? A study published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience found that exposure to air pollution was associated with lower scores on cognitive function tests and brain abnormalities in young children. The study followed over 400 children from birth to age five and found that those exposed to higher levels of air pollution had lower scores on cognitive function tests and brain abnormalities.
While the effects of air pollution on brain health are still being explored, there are some things you can do to protect yourself from the negative effects of air pollution. You can do this by keeping yourself informed about air pollution levels in your area and avoiding exposure on days when levels are high. You can also wear a mask when you go outside on days when air pollution levels are high, especially in a city like Los Angeles-Long Beach, Jakarta, Mumbai, and more.
