A recent study conducted by researchers from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London has revealed a concerning link between exposure to higher levels of air pollution during midlife and cognitive decline later in life. The study, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, suggests that even small reductions in air pollution levels could help preserve brain health in older individuals.
The research, conducted in collaboration with University College London (UCL), University of Leicester, and Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK), analyzed data from 1,761 participants aged 45 and over who had taken part in the Medical Research Council’s National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD). The study looked at participants’ verbal memory, processing speed, and cognitive screening test results over a 26-year period, while also examining their exposure to various air pollutants.
The findings of the study revealed that participants exposed to higher levels of air pollutants from age 45 onwards had lower scores on cognitive tests at age 69. Specifically, exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10) was associated with slower processing speeds between the ages of 43 and 69. Additionally, high levels of exposure to NOx were linked to smaller hippocampal volume, while increased exposure to NO2 and PM10 was associated with larger ventricular volume, both of which are indicators of cognitive impairment and dementia.
Professor Ioannis Bakolis emphasized the importance of the study in understanding the long-term effects of air pollution on brain health, especially as dementia rates continue to rise globally. Thomas Canning, one of the study’s authors, highlighted the potential benefits of reducing air pollution exposure in midlife to help preserve cognition and brain structure as individuals age.
The study’s comprehensive analysis of cognitive outcomes and brain health provides valuable insights into the detrimental effects of air pollution on the aging brain. By raising awareness of the impact of air pollution on cognitive function, the research underscores the importance of implementing measures to reduce air pollution levels for the sake of public health.
For more information on the study, you can refer to the article published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity or visit the King’s College London website.
