Emory study finds air pollution increases Alzheimer’s risk

Study Finds Link Between Air Pollution and Alzheimer’s Disease

Introduction

According to a new study conducted by Emory University, adults exposed to high levels of air pollution are at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This study, considered the largest of its kind, highlights the detrimental impact of air pollution on brain health.

Study Details

The study, published in “Environmental Health Perspectives,” gathered data from 1,113 participants in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The analysis of this data revealed positive biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease among participants exposed to ambient and traffic-related air pollution at their homes. These findings support previous smaller studies that have suggested a link between air pollution and brain degeneration.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

1. Air Pollution (SDG 3.9): The study emphasizes the negative health effects of air pollution, specifically its contribution to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Addressing air pollution is crucial for achieving SDG 3.9, which aims to substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses caused by hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution.
2. Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3): Alzheimer’s disease is a significant public health issue, and its prevalence is expected to increase as the population ages. By understanding the link between air pollution and Alzheimer’s disease, policymakers and healthcare professionals can develop strategies to promote good health and well-being, aligning with SDG 3.

Expert Insights

Lead author Anke Huels, PhD, highlights the importance of the study’s findings: “Residential air pollution can negatively affect our brain even decades before we actually develop Alzheimer’s disease. This points to a sensitive time period for both exposure and opportunity, where prevention strategies and interventions are most effective.”

James Lah, MD, PhD, principal investigator of the Emory Healthy Brain Study, emphasizes the potential impact of environmental improvements: “By showing a relationship to levels of the amyloid protein in the cerebrospinal fluid, this study suggests that air pollution might increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The flip side of that is that by cleaning up our environment, we might also help reduce the burden of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Alzheimer’s Disease Statistics

• In 2020, approximately 5.8 million Americans lived with Alzheimer’s disease.
• As the U.S. population ages, this number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060.

Conclusion

This study provides further evidence of the detrimental effects of air pollution on brain health and its potential contribution to Alzheimer’s disease. It underscores the importance of addressing air pollution as part of efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3.9 and SDG 3. By reducing air pollution and promoting good health and well-being, we can work towards reducing the burden of Alzheimer’s disease and improving overall public health.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article discusses the increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease due to exposure to high levels of air pollution. This connects to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article mentions the association between residential exposure to air pollution and Alzheimer’s-related changes in the brain. This relates to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities, including addressing air quality.

SDG 13: Climate Action

The article highlights the negative impact of air pollution on brain health and suggests that cleaning up the environment could help reduce the burden of Alzheimer’s disease. This aligns with SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination

The article emphasizes the link between air pollution and the increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Achieving this target would involve reducing air pollution levels to prevent adverse health effects.

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

The article highlights the association between residential exposure to air pollution and Alzheimer’s-related changes in the brain. To achieve this target, efforts should be made to improve air quality in cities and reduce the environmental impact.

Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning

The article suggests that cleaning up the environment could help reduce the burden of Alzheimer’s disease. Integrating climate change measures into policies and strategies would contribute to achieving this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

– Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease among participants exposed to air pollution: This indicator can be used to assess the impact of air pollution on the development of Alzheimer’s disease and track progress in reducing the number of illnesses caused by hazardous air pollution (Target 3.9).

– Association between residential exposure to air pollution and Alzheimer’s-related changes in the brain: This indicator can be used to measure the effectiveness of efforts to reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities, particularly in terms of air quality (Target 11.6).

– Relationship between air pollution levels and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease: This indicator can be used to evaluate the integration of climate change measures into national policies and strategies, as reducing air pollution would contribute to mitigating the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (Target 13.2).

Overall, these indicators provide measurable outcomes that can help track progress towards achieving the identified targets.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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: ajc.com

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