New study links air pollution from vehicles to brain function decline

How does pollution from vehicles affect our brain function? This is a question that many people may have, especially those who live in urban areas with high traffic density. In this blog post, we will explore some of the latest scientific findings on this topic and discuss what we can do to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of air pollution.

According to a study from the University of California, Irvine, exposure to traffic-related air pollution causes memory loss, cognitive decline, and the activation of brain pathways linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. The study, published in the journal Toxicological Sciences, compared mouse models at two ages: 3 months and 9 months. The researchers exposed one group of mice to ultrafine particulate matter for 12 weeks via ambient air collected in Irvine, while another group was exposed to purified air. The results showed that both memory and cognitive function were impaired by exposure to particulate matter, and that the older mice also showed signs of brain inflammation and plaque build-up, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

The study’s senior author, Masashi Kitazawa, PhD, said: “The link between air pollution and Alzheimer’s disease is concerning, as the prevalence of toxicants in ambient air is not just on the rise globally, but also hitting close to home here in Irvine.” He added: “This evidence is alarming, and it’s imperative that we take action to adopt effective and evidence-based regulations, spread awareness on lifestyle changes and work together to improve our air quality.”

The study from Irvine is not the only one that has found a connection between air pollution and brain function. Another study from Ontario, Canada, found that the risk of dementia increased the closer people lived to major roadways. A study of U.S. women showed higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia for those exposed to levels of fine particulate matter above the national standard.

Air pollution is one of the very few prominent, modifiable environmental risk factors in Alzheimer’s disease, according to co-author Michael Kleinman, PhD. He said: “Public and environmental regulatory agencies need to accelerate efforts to reduce particulate matter levels in order to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other serious health conditions.”