Reducing air pollution associated with lower risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

Air Pollution and Dementia Risk: The Impact of Sustainable Development Goals

Previous reports have linked long-term air pollution exposure with the accumulation of Alzheimer’s disease-related brain plaques. However, recent evidence suggests that reducing pollution, particularly fine particulates in the air and pollutants from burning fuel, is associated with a lower risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These findings align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, which aim to promote good health and well-being, ensure sustainable cities and communities, and combat climate change.

Key Findings

• Reduction of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and traffic-related pollutants (NO2) per 10% of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) current standard over 10 years was associated with a 14% and 26% reduction in dementia risk, as well as slower cognitive decline, in older U.S. women. These benefits were observed regardless of age, level of education, geographic region, and cardiovascular disease status.
• Reduction of PM2.5 concentration over 10 years was associated with a 15% reduced risk of all-cause dementia and a 17% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease in French individuals for every microgram of gaseous pollutant per cubic meter of air (µg/m3) decrease in PM2.5.
• Long-term exposure to air pollutants was associated with higher beta amyloid levels in the blood, indicating a possible biological connection between air quality and the physical brain changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease.

“We’ve known for some time that air pollution is bad for our brains and overall health, including a connection to amyloid buildup in the brain. But what’s exciting is we’re now seeing data showing that improving air quality may actually reduce the risk of dementia. These data demonstrate the importance of policies and action by federal and local governments, and businesses, that address reducing air pollutants.”

– Claire Sexton, DPhil, Alzheimer’s Association director of scientific programs and outreach

Air Quality Improvement and Cognitive Decline in Older U.S. Women

Research conducted by Xinhui Wang, Ph.D., assistant professor of research neurology at the University of Southern California, and colleagues aimed to investigate whether older women living in areas with greater reductions in air pollution experience slower cognitive decline and have a lower risk of developing dementia.

The study analyzed data from the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study-Epidemiology of Cognitive Health Outcomes (WHIMS-ECHO), a National Institutes of Health-funded project. The participants were older women aged 74-92 who did not have dementia at the beginning of the study. Cognitive function tests were conducted annually from 2008-2018, and air pollution levels at participants’ home addresses were estimated using mathematical models.

The findings revealed that air quality significantly improved over the 10-year period before the study. Women living in locations with greater reductions in both PM2.5 and NO2 had a 14% and 26% lower risk of dementia, respectively. These benefits were observed across various cognitive domains and were independent of age, education level, geographic region, and cardiovascular disease status.

Reduction of Fine Particulates and Dementia Risk in Older French Adults

Noemie Letellier, Ph.D., postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, San Diego, and colleagues examined the links between air pollution exposure and dementia risk using data from the French Three-City Study. The study included over 7,000 participants aged 65 or older.

The researchers found that a reduction in PM2.5 concentration between 1990-2000 was associated with a 15% reduced risk of all-cause dementia and a 17% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease for every µg/m3 decrease in PM2.5. These findings highlight the importance of reinforcing air quality standards to promote healthy aging and developing effective prevention strategies.

Long-Term Air Pollution and Beta Amyloid Plaques

Accumulation of beta amyloid plaques is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Christina Park, a doctoral student at the University of Washington, and colleagues investigated the association between long-term exposure to air pollutants and beta amyloid levels in over 3,000 dementia-free individuals.

The study found a strong link between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), larger particles (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and higher levels of Aβ1-40, a major protein component of plaques. These findings suggest that air pollution may play a role in the development of dementia.

“Our findings suggest that air pollution may be an important factor in the development of dementia. Many other factors that impact dementia are not changeable, but reductions in exposure to air pollution may be associated with a lower risk of dementia. More research is needed.”

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 issue of air pollution and its impact on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is connected to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all. The article highlights the importance of reducing air pollution to reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The issue of air pollution is also connected to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities. The article emphasizes the need to improve air quality and reduce pollutants in order to promote healthy aging and prevent dementia.

SDG 13: Climate Action

The issue of air pollution and its impact on brain health is connected to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The article highlights the association between long-term exposure to air pollutants and increased beta amyloid levels, indicating a possible link between air quality and Alzheimer’s disease.

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

Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being

The article’s content supports this target by showing that reducing air pollution, specifically fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and traffic-related pollutants (NO2), is associated with a lower risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This indicates that improving air quality can contribute to the prevention of non-communicable diseases, including dementia.

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’s content supports this target by highlighting the importance of improving air quality in cities to promote healthy aging and reduce the risk of dementia. It emphasizes the need to reduce pollutants, such as PM2.5, in order to create sustainable cities and communities.

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

The article’s content supports this target by showing the association between air pollution and increased beta amyloid levels, indicating a possible biological connection between air quality and Alzheimer’s disease. This highlights the need to address air pollution as part of climate change measures and incorporate it into national policies and strategies.

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:

– Reduction of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and traffic-related pollutants (NO2) per 10% of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) current standard over 10 years was associated with reductions in dementia risk and slower cognitive decline in older U.S. women.

– Reduction of PM2.5 concentration over 10 years was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause dementia in French individuals.

– Long-term exposure to air pollutants was associated with higher beta amyloid levels in the blood, indicating a possible biological connection between air quality and Alzheimer’s disease.

These indicators can be used to measure progress in reducing air pollution, improving air quality, and ultimately reducing the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.

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: news-medical.net

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