A new study from Harvard and Boston University School of Medicine researchers has found an association between air pollution and brain damage leading to impaired cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults. Exposure to elevated levels of ambient air pollution was found to be associated with cerebral atrophy, and an increased risk for silent strokes. Silent strokes have also been associated with an increased risk of developing dementia.
A study reported in the Environmental Health Perspectives by Kioumourtzoglou et al (2015) indicates that air pollution accelerates the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. This is the first large-scale, epidemiological study looking at the association between air pollution and neurodegenerative diseases. Although it has some limitations, it nevertheless suggests that exposure to neurotoxicants can play a role in neurodegenerative disease progression not only before but also after disease onset!
These findings in humans are supported by recent animal studies by Bhatt et al., (2015) suggesting that prolonged exposure to airborne particulate matter has the potential to promote development of early AD-like neuropathology.
To find out more about this work click on one of the links below:
Link to Story in BUSM This Week News:
Link to Article in PubMed
Link to PDF of Kioumourtzoglou et al (2015)
Link to Bhatt et al (2015)
A study reported in the Environmental Health Perspectives by Kioumourtzoglou et al (2015) indicates that air pollution accelerates the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. This is the first large-scale, epidemiological study looking at the association between air pollution and neurodegenerative diseases. Although it has some limitations, it nevertheless suggests that exposure to neurotoxicants can play a role in neurodegenerative disease progression not only before but also after disease onset!
These findings in humans are supported by recent animal studies by Bhatt et al., (2015) suggesting that prolonged exposure to airborne particulate matter has the potential to promote development of early AD-like neuropathology.
To find out more about this work click on one of the links below:
Link to Story in BUSM This Week News:
Link to Article in PubMed
Link to PDF of Kioumourtzoglou et al (2015)
Link to Bhatt et al (2015)
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