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Air pollution has long been associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, but new research suggests its effects extend deep into the brain. Scientists at Scripps Research have uncovered a link between air pollution—including wildfire smoke and automobile emissions—and memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on February 27, 2025, details how a chemical process called S-nitrosylation disrupts brain function, ultimately leading to neurodegeneration.
The Impact of Air Pollution on Brain Health
According to the World Health Organization, air pollution contributes to nearly seven million premature deaths annually. While its impact on the lungs and heart is well-documented, emerging evidence highlights its role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and even conditions such as autism.
The latest findings from Scripps Research, led by Dr. Stuart Lipton, reveal how exposure to toxins found in air pollution, pesticides, wildfire smoke, and processed meats triggers a harmful chemical reaction in the brain. This reaction, known as S-nitrosylation, prevents neurons from forming new connections, ultimately leading to cell death and cognitive decline.
A Breakthrough in Alzheimer’s Research
Lipton and his team discovered that S-nitrosylation affects a key protein called CRTC1, which is essential for learning and memory. This protein normally binds with another regulatory protein, CREB, to activate genes crucial for maintaining synaptic connections. However, when S-nitrosylation occurs, this interaction is disrupted, impairing memory formation and neuronal function.
Using both Alzheimer’s mouse models and human nerve cells derived from stem cells, the researchers demonstrated that preventing S-nitrosylation in CRTC1 could partially reverse memory loss and restore normal brain function.
Environmental Toxins and Alzheimer’s Risk
The study strengthens the hypothesis that exposure to environmental pollutants accelerates brain aging and increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Pollutants such as PM2.5 particles and nitrate-related compounds found in wildfire smoke and vehicle emissions contribute to excessive nitric oxide (NO) levels in the brain, leading to S-nitrosylation and subsequent neuronal damage.
Lipton explains that as people age, their natural antioxidant defenses weaken, making their brains more susceptible to these harmful chemical reactions. This may help explain why Alzheimer’s risk increases with age, even for individuals not directly exposed to high levels of pollution.
A Path Toward Treatment
Encouragingly, the research team is now exploring drug candidates that can selectively block S-nitrosylation, particularly its effects on CRTC1. If successful, such treatments could offer new hope in slowing or even preventing Alzheimer’s-related memory loss.
“We could nearly completely rescue molecular pathways involved in making new memories,” Lipton states. “This suggests a promising new drug target for Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases.”
Conclusion
As wildfires become more frequent and urban pollution levels continue to rise, the link between environmental toxins and brain diseases grows stronger. The findings from this study underscore the urgent need for policies to reduce pollution and protect public health. Additionally, ongoing research into targeted therapies for Alzheimer’s disease offers a glimmer of hope for millions affected by the condition.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers concerned about Alzheimer’s disease or air pollution exposure should consult healthcare professionals for guidance.
