New study hints at a hidden Alzheimer’s risk factor affecting older Americans
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- A study by Emory University involving over 27.8 million U.S. Medicare recipients found that greater exposure to air pollution is linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, particularly in individuals with a history of stroke.
- The research suggests that air pollution contributes to Alzheimer's primarily through direct effects on brain health rather than indirectly via other chronic conditions like hypertension or depression.
- Experts note that while the study shows a strong association between air pollution and Alzheimer's, it does not establish causation, but highlights the role of inflammation caused by particulate matter in the brain.
- The findings emphasize the importance of improving air quality as a potential strategy to prevent dementia and protect older adults, with calls for further research to better understand the environmental impacts on
