## air Pollution Linked to Accelerated Alzheimer’s Disease Progression
New research from the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of medicine reveals a direct link between air pollution and the worsening of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Published today in *JAMA Neurology*, the study demonstrates that exposure to even short-term increases in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution can accelerate the buildup of toxic proteins in the brain and speed up cognitive decline.
For the frist time, researchers analyzed post-mortem brain tissue from over 600 individuals with AD, correlating thier exposure to PM2.5 with the severity of Alzheimer’s pathology.They found that those who lived in areas with higher concentrations of these tiny airborne particles – even for just one year – exhibited significantly more amyloid plaques and tau tangles, the defining hallmarks of AD.
This increased pathology translated to faster cognitive and functional decline in life, including memory loss, impaired judgment, and difficulties with daily tasks. For every 1 microgram per cubic meter increase in PM2.5, the risk of increased amyloid and tau buildup rose by 19%.
PM2.5,particles 2.5 micrometers and smaller (about half the width of a spider silk strand), originate from sources like wildfire smoke, vehicle exhaust, construction, and industrial emissions. These particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream when inhaled, posing meaningful health risks. Previous studies have already connected PM2.5 exposure to dementia and cognitive impairment.
“This study shows that air pollution doesn’t just increase the *risk* of dementia – it actually makes Alzheimer’s disease *worse*,” explains Dr. edward Lee, co-director of Penn’s Institute on aging. “As we pursue new treatments, understanding all contributing factors, including environmental influences, is crucial.”
While the study utilized geographic location to estimate PM2.5 exposure, researchers acknowledge that individual-specific exposures, such as secondhand smoke or occupational hazards, were not accounted for.
Despite improvements in air quality in the U.S., Dr. Lee emphasizes the impact of even short-term exposure. “Even just a year living in a highly polluted area can significantly impact a person’s risk for developing and experiencing the progression of alzheimer’s disease,” he states. “This highlights the importance of environmental justice initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution and protecting public health.”
This research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (P30AG072979, P01AG066597, U19AG062418, P01AG084497, and P30ES013508).
