Is there a link between air pollution and dementia?

According to an NIH study, evidence is emerging that greater exposure to airborne pollutants is associated with increased risk of dementia. (Source: Photo by unsplash, reference from NIH )

Pollutants that Reach the Brain: Fine particles like PM2.5 travel from lungs into the bloodstream, cross into the brain, and trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, accelerating neurodegeneration. (Source: Photo by unsplash, reference from NIH )

Types of Dementia Impacted: Exposure to polluted air is linked to higher risks of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and mild cognitive impairment, conditions that cause memory loss and reduced thinking ability. (Source: Photo by unsplash, reference from NIH )

Older Adults at A Higher Risk: As populations age, the toll increases: older individuals especially in regions with high pollution are more vulnerable to the brain damaging effects of long term exposure. (Source: Photo by unsplash, reference from NIH )

Air Pollution vs Traditional Risk Factors: While diet, exercise, and genetics remain major dementia risks, air pollution affects billions, meaning even small individual risks translate into massive global burden. (Source: Photo by unsplash, reference from NIH )

Geographic Hotspots: South Asia and parts of Africa bear the brunt of pollution linked dementia risk, with countries like India and China accounting for more than half of all air pollution deaths. (Source: Photo by unsplash, reference from NIH )

What You Can Do To Protect Yourself: Limit time outdoors when air quality is poor. Use filters or purifiers indoors. Support clean air policies and infrastructure improvements. (Source: Photo by unsplash, reference from NIH )