A new report released by the UK Health Security Agency has supported a link between air pollution and dementia.
Researchers from Imperial College London contributed to the report.
“From this review, it can be concluded that it is likely that air pollution does contribute to these effects,” a public release of the report states.
“The most likely way this occurs is through effects on the circulation. It is known that air pollutants, particularly small particles, can affect the heart and blood vessels, including to the brain.”
The report involved the reviewing of over 70 studies exploring a potential link between cognitive decline and air pollution.
“Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) reviewed nearly 70 studies in human populations (epidemiological studies) which looked at possible links between air pollution and a decline in mental ability and dementia in older people,” a public report states.
“They also considered studies which investigated how air pollution might affect the brain.”
The report can be read here.
