Exposure to Air Pollution May Raise Risk for Dementia
THURSDAY, Oct. 27, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Higher exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with an increased risk for dementia, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published online Oct. 26 in Neurology.
Ehsan Abolhasani, M.D., from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University in London, Ontario, Canada, and colleagues examined the association between air pollution and dementia in a systematic review and meta-analysis. Twenty studies that reported on the hazard ratio of dementia in association with exposure to PM2.5, nitrogen oxides (NOx), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), or ozone (O3) were included in the review; 17 provided data for the meta-analysis.
The total population was 91,391,296 individuals, of whom 6 percent were diagnosed with dementia. The researchers found a 3 percent increase in the risk for dementia per 1 µg/m3 increment in PM2.5 (hazard ratio, 1.03; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.05). Less clear associations were seen for dementia per 10-µg/m3 increment in NOx, NO2, and O3 level, although significant associations could not be ruled out (hazard ratios [95 percent confidence intervals], 1.05 [0.99 to 1.13], 1.03 [1.00 to 1.07], and 1.01 [0.91 to 1.11], respectively); high heterogeneity was seen across studies.
"While our meta-analysis does not prove that air pollution causes dementia, it only shows an association, our hope is these findings empower people to take an active role in reducing their exposure to pollution," Abolhasani said in a statement.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Related Posts
AHA News: What’s New This Year For School Lunches?
TUESDAY, Aug. 9, 2022 (American Heart Association News) -- In the past, school...
Rate of Opioid Rx at Discharge From Emergency Department Declining
FRIDAY, Jan. 20, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- From 2017-2018 to 2019-2020, there has...
Health Highlights: March 23, 2023
Coffee won't affect your heart rhythms. A study pitting days of coffee drinking...
Early Menopause Could Mean More Heart Trouble Later
MONDAY, Aug. 8, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Women who go into menopause when they...