Exposure to air pollution caused by wildfires and agriculture has been linked to an increased risk of dementia, according to a new study. The research, funded by the National Institutes of Health and led by researchers at the University of Michigan, analyzed data from over 27,000 adults aged 50 and older between 1992 and 2016. Participants underwent cognitive testing every two years, and the study estimated pollution exposures using real-time measurements and factors like geography and local emissions sources. The study found that higher exposure to particulate matter pollution (PM2.5) was associated with a higher risk of dementia. Agriculture and wildfires were specifically identified as sources linked to dementia cases.
The exact reasons behind the link between PM2.5 pollution and dementia are still unclear, but researchers believe that fine particulates can travel from the lungs to the brain, causing direct damage. While particulate pollution can come from various sources, the study focused on finding associations between dementia cases and particulate pollution from wildfires and agriculture. The study results showed that individuals who developed dementia were more likely to be non-White, have less formal education, lower income levels, and live in areas with higher levels of particulate matter pollution.
The study estimates that up to 188,000 cases of dementia per year could be attributed to PM2.5 exposure. However, further research is required to confirm these findings and determine if reducing specific types of PM2.5 pollution could help reduce the burden of dementia in the population. Dementia is a broad term referring to the loss of thinking, remembering, and reasoning skills. It affects millions of Americans and is expected to increase as the population ages. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.
Particulate matter pollution consists of tiny particles that can come from various sources, including construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, and fires. Many particles form in the atmosphere due to complex reactions involving pollutants emitted by power plants, industries, and automobiles. The study underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the impact of air pollution on public health, particularly concerning the risk of dementia. By highlighting the association between particulate matter pollution from wildfires and agriculture, it provides valuable insights for policymakers and researchers aiming to mitigate the risk factors for dementia and improve air quality.
