Air pollution: the road to Alzheimer’s disease?

By:  Manfred Eggersdorfer, Professor for Healthy Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen

Summary

• A new study has assessed the associations between proximity to a main road and diagnoses of dementia, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis 
• Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease, and the leading cause of dementia, for which there is currently no cure 
• Research has found evidence for the role that certain nutrients, including vitamins E, C and D, in decreasing new incidences of Alzheimer’s disease 

A newly published longitudinal study has assessed the associations between proximity to a main road and diagnoses of dementia, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.¹ Data was collected from residents of Ontario, Canada, from 2001 to 2012. Results found that individuals living near heavy traffic were 12% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia in their lifetime. Air pollution is made up of a mixture of gases and particles, including particulate matter (PM). Inhaling polluted air, especially air containing fine PM of 2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller (PM2.5), can lead to a wide range of health issues. This study supports a wide range of research that also observed the negative impacts of air pollution on brain health.^2,3  

Understanding Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease, and the leading cause of dementia, for which there is currently no cure.⁴ While there are a number of non-modifiable risk factors, such as genetic factors, age and gender, this study highlights the increased risk posed by modifiable lifestyle factors. ^5,6 With over 80% of the world’s population living in regions with air pollution levels higher than the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines, air pollution is a prevalent global issue.  

Acting against Alzheimer’s with nutrients 

Research has found compelling evidence for the role that certain nutrients, including vitamins E, C and D, in conjunction with other important factors can play in decreasing new incidences of Alzheimer’s disease.⁷ Increasing the intake of essential micronutrients is a simple, but effective, method of supporting cognitive performance and reducing the risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease, such as oxidative stress. While air pollution is a wider issue affecting the majority of the population, the dietary supplements industry can help to combat some of the negative effects on public health.