Air pollution caused by wildfires may increase risk of dementia
There are already more than 57 million dementia sufferers in the world, and by 2050, that figure is predicted to rise to 153 million. It is estimated that risk factors like exposure to air pollution account for up to 40% of these instances.
Even when annual exposure was lower than the current EPA annual threshold of 12 micrograms per cubic meter of air (g/m3), the researchers discovered continuous evidence of a relationship between PM2.5 and dementia. The researchers discovered a 17% increase in risk for dementia for every 2 g/m3 increase in average yearly exposure to PM2.5, specifically among the studies using active case ascertainment. Despite the fact that the data was more sparse, they also discovered evidence supporting links between dementia and nitrogen oxide (5% increase in risk for every 10 g/m3 increase in yearly exposure) and nitrogen dioxide (2% increase in risk for every 10 g/m3 increase in annual exposure).
According to a recent University of Michigan study, wildfires and air pollution from agricultural spraying had the greatest negative effects on brain health out of all types of air pollution. Researchers discovered that the onset of dementia is most closely linked to the microscopic particles that are brought above by these two sources and that we might breathe in. The report comes as wildfires keep causing havoc across North America and the rest of the planet and as July 2023 was named the hottest month ever measured. For instance, Canada is now dealing with 236 fires in its Northwest Territories, and the government has mandated that inhabitants of Yellowknife leave the city.
Along with collecting data on air quality, the research team also gathered information on other studies, more than 300 geographic factors, including local traffic, land use and cover, population density, emission sources, and vegetation. To calculate the total PM2.5 at participant homes, this data was fed into a prediction model. In the model, local fractions of PM2.5 attributable to each of the nine emission sources—agriculture, road traffic, non-road traffic, coal combustion for energy production, other energy production, coal combustion for industry, other industry, open fires, and windblown dust—were multiplied by the total PM2.5 concentration at specific addresses. PM2.5, which stands for "particulate matter two and a half microns or smaller," is used to gauge the quality of the air. The blood-brain barrier, which normally efficiently protects our brains, cannot withstand PM2.5 because it is so little. Since the smoke from these fires can travel great distances, it can degrade the air quality in areas far from the original fires.Meanwhile, hazardous airborne particles are still being released by agriculture in other regions, where they may likewise spread over a wide area.
Question: Are persistent exposures to air pollution caused by various emission sources linked to the occurrence of dementia?
Answer: Higher residential levels of fine particulate matter were linked to higher incidence of incident dementia in this nationally representative cohort study in the US, particularly for fine particulate matter produced by agriculture and wildfires. These results lend credence to the idea that exposure to airborne particulate matter pollution increases the risk of dementia development and that targeted interventions to reduce pollution exposure may lower the risk of dementia over the long term. However, further studies are required to confirm these associations.
If someone you know may be displaying signs of dementia...
If someone you know is becoming increasingly forgetful, encourage them to see a physician to talk about the early signs of dementia.
There are additional factors that could contribute to memory loss. However, if dementia is identified early, its progression may in some cases be halted, allowing the individual to retain their mental function for a longer period of time. Recognize the symptoms of dementia.Although memory loss is not the only symptom of dementia, it is one of them.
Other indications of dementia include:
increased difficulties with planning and concentration-demanding tasks as well as personality and mood changes and spells of mental disorientation, difficulties understanding talks as easily or having trouble finding the correct words
Consider suggesting that you accompany your friend or relative to the doctor so that you can be there to encourage them. Additionally, you'll be able to aid them in remembering the conversation.
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Written by Victoria Chacon
Study source: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2808088?guestAccessKey=41afaad4-70b6-4cac-a49b-1b6de01b83d4
Image source: https://www.wweek.com/news/2017/09/05/multnomah-falls-engulfed-in-flames-as-out-of-control-wildfire-races-west-through-gorge/, https://brettstumm.com/hiking-for-seniors/, https://acendahealth.org/how-to-recognize-treat-and-live-with-dementia/
Further information on dementia:
More research: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/air-pollution-may-increase-risk-for-dementia/
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013
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