In people aged over 65, a high concentration of fine PM2.5 particles would increase the occurrence of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or other forms of dementia by 13%.
-1603214500.jpg "There is a link between fine particles in the air and neurological disorders")
- Air pollution would have an impact on neurological disorders.
- It would increase by 13% the risk of hospital admission for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other forms of dementia in people over 65.
- The concentration of PM2.5 fine particles would affect city dwellers, Caucasians and women.
The well-being of our brain depends on what we breathe. The air that enters our lungs, if stale by pollution, could increase the occurrence of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other forms of dementia. A study conducted jointly by the schools of public health at Emory and Columbia universities (United States) looked at the effects of pollution by fine particles (PM2.5) and neurodegenerative diseases. The results were published on October 19, 2020 in The Lancet Planetary Health.
A 13% increased risk
To understand the link between worsening dementia and air pollution, researchers looked at hospital admission data between 2000 and 2016 of 63 million Medicare recipients in the United States. These data were cross-referenced with the PM2.5 fine particle concentration readings and the postcodes of the people concerned. All patients in this study were at least 65 years old.
Thus, they found that for 5 micrograms of additional air polluted by fine particles, there was a 13% increase in hospital admissions, both for Alzheimer’s disease and for Parkinson’s disease and other dementias.
“Our study builds on the small but emerging evidence base indicating that long-term exposures to PM2.5 are linked to an increased risk of deterioration of neurological health, even at PM2.5 concentrations well below normal levels. current national standards”, says Xiao Wu, doctoral students in biostatistics and co-author of the study.
City dwellers are the most affected
According to the study, women, Caucasians and the urban population are particularly affected by this phenomenon. Similarly, with regard to the United States, cases of Parkinson’s disease are higher in the northeast of the country, while cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias were concentrated more in the Midwest.
“Our US-wide study shows that current standards are not sufficiently protecting the aging US population, underscoring the need for more stringent standards and policies that help further reduce PM2.5 concentrations and improve general air quality”, underlines Antonella Zanobetti, researcher in environmental health and co-author of the study.
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