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A recent study published in Neurology suggests a potential association between higher exposure to traffic-related air pollution and increased levels of amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. While the study does not establish a causal relationship, it highlights a concerning correlation between environmental factors and Alzheimer’s pathology.
Researchers from Emory University in Georgia, US, conducted the study, examining brain tissue from 224 individuals who donated their brains posthumously to dementia research. Analyzing data from individuals with an average age of 76 at the time of death, researchers assessed their exposure to traffic-related air pollution based on their home addresses in the Atlanta area.
The study found that individuals with higher exposure to air pollution, both one and three years before death, were more likely to exhibit elevated levels of amyloid plaques in their brains. Specifically, for every 1 microgram per cubic meter increase in PM 2.5 exposure, individuals were nearly twice as likely to have higher plaque levels in the year before death and 87% more likely in the three years before death.
Lead researcher Anke Huels emphasized the significance of the findings, stating, “These results add to the evidence that fine particulate matter from traffic-related air pollution affects the amount of amyloid plaque in the brain.” However, further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms driving this relationship.
Additionally, the study explored the interaction between air pollution and genetic factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Surprisingly, individuals without the main gene variant linked to Alzheimer’s, APOE e4, exhibited the strongest relationship between air pollution and Alzheimer’s pathology. This suggests that environmental factors like air pollution may play a significant role in Alzheimer’s development, particularly in individuals without a genetic predisposition to the disease.
The study underscores the importance of considering environmental factors in Alzheimer’s research and public health efforts. As air pollution continues to be a widespread concern, understanding its potential impact on neurological health is crucial for developing preventive strategies and mitigating the burden of Alzheimer’s disease. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between environmental exposures and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s.
