Air pollution boosts Alzheimer’s disease risk
Air pollution boosts Alzheimer's disease risk Futurity: Research News
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Air Pollution Increases Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, Study Finds
Introduction
A new study has found that adults exposed to high levels of air pollution were at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study, conducted by researchers from Emory University, adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests air pollution directly contributes to degeneration in the brain.
Study Details
The study included 1,113 participants between the ages of 45-75 from the Atlanta metropolitan area. The researchers found positive biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease, specifically amyloid plaques, in the cerebrospinal fluid of participants who were exposed to ambient and traffic-related air pollution at their homes.
Pollution and Your Brain
The study’s lead author, Anke Huels, explains that their previous study showed associations between residential exposure to air pollution and Alzheimer’s-related changes in the brain in an autopsy cohort. This new study found similar results in a study of living adults who were on average 15 years younger and cognitively healthy. Huels emphasizes the importance of these findings, as they suggest that residential air pollution can negatively affect the brain even decades before the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This highlights a sensitive time period for both exposure and intervention.
Principal investigator James Lah adds that air pollution is generally bad for human health, including brain health. The study’s findings suggest that air pollution may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, Lah also points out that by cleaning up the environment, it may be possible to reduce the burden of Alzheimer’s disease.
How to Reduce Air Pollution Exposure
- Limit time and avoid physical activity outside on days when your local air quality index reports poor air quality.
- If you must be outside on poor air quality days, consider wearing a mask, such as an N95 mask.
- Follow these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce Alzheimer’s risk:
- Practice eating a healthy diet.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Prevent/manage high blood pressure and blood sugar.
- Quit smoking and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
- Get plenty of sleep.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs Addressed:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
Targets Identified:
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
Indicators:
- Indicator for Target 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.
- Indicator for Target 11.6: Ambient air pollution levels in cities.
- Indicator for Target 13.2: Extent of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures incorporated into national policies.
Analysis:
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article discusses the increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease due to exposure to air pollution.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article emphasizes the negative impact of air pollution on brain health and suggests that cleaning up the environment can help reduce the burden of Alzheimer’s disease.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – The article highlights the need to reduce air pollution, which is a contributor to climate change, in order to mitigate the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
The specific targets identified based on the article’s content are:
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Indicator for Target 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution – The article highlights the increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease due to exposure to air pollution, which can be measured through tracking the number of deaths and illnesses related to air pollution.
- Indicator for Target 11.6: Ambient air pollution levels in cities – The article emphasizes the importance of paying attention to air quality in cities, which can be measured through monitoring ambient air pollution levels.
- Indicator for Target 13.2: Extent of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures incorporated into national policies – The article suggests that reducing air pollution, a contributor to climate change, can help mitigate the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The extent to which climate change measures are incorporated into national policies can be used as an indicator of progress towards this target.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Ambient air pollution levels in cities |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Extent of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures incorporated into national policies |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: futurity.org
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