A recent study from Denmark suggests that prolonged exposure to air pollution significantly raises the risk of dementia among the population. According to Professor Zorana Jovanovic Andersen from the Section of Environmental Health, the research also indicates a correlation with noise pollution, although this is predominantly attributed to air pollution. The study underscores a growing international consensus on the detrimental effects of air pollution on respiratory and cardiovascular health and brain inflammation, cognitive decline, and dementia risk.
“This groundbreaking study in Denmark reveals a direct association between air pollution and dementia,” Professor Andersen notes. Despite Denmark’s relatively low and declining air pollution levels compared to other regions globally, the findings highlight significant health concerns that warrant immediate policy actions to reduce air pollution. As life expectancy increases and dementia diagnoses rise, addressing air quality becomes crucial for preventing new dementia cases and promoting healthy ageing.
The study, spanning 27 years and involving a cohort of nurses from 1993 to 2020, stands out internationally for its comprehensive approach to understanding dementia development. “Our research not only tracks dementia over extended periods but also meticulously measures air pollution exposure over 41 years, integrating detailed lifestyle and socio-economic data,” explains Research Assistant Stéphane Tuffier from the Section of Environmental Health.
One of the study’s most hopeful findings is that nurses engaging in higher levels of physical activity demonstrated a reduced dementia risk even when exposed to air pollution. As Tuffier observes, Physical activity seems to have a potential protective role in mitigating the adverse effects of air pollution on cognitive health. This suggests that even amidst environmental challenges, exercise could play a significant role in dementia prevention, offering a ray of hope for healthier ageing.
This study underscores the urgent need for targeted policies aimed at reducing air pollution levels, even in a country like Denmark with relatively favourable air quality. By addressing air pollution comprehensively, societies can potentially prevent new cases of dementia and promote healthier ageing, safeguarding cognitive health in ageing populations. This highlights the crucial role of policymakers, health professionals, and individuals in advocating for and implementing these necessary changes.
More information: Stéphane Tuffier et al, Long-term exposure to air pollution and road traffic noise and incidence of dementia in the Danish Nurse Cohort, Alzheimer’s & Dementia. DOI: 10.1002/alz.13814
Journal information: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Provided by The University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
