Air pollution in childhood linked to dementia risk later in life, researchers say

Researchers in Scotland have found patterns suggesting that air pollution exposure in early life may increase the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, later in life, The Guardian said.

The study tracked over 1,000 individuals born in 1936 near Edinburgh, assessing their cognitive health every three years from age 70. By 2019, 17% had developed dementia. Researchers then estimated air pollution levels in their childhood neighborhoods using historical data on fuel use, industry, and transport.

The findings revealed that higher air pollution levels in 1936 were positively associated with an increased risk of dementia. At that time, participants were either in the womb or under one year old. Interestingly, mid-life exposure to air pollution appeared to have a protective effect, potentially due to earlier deaths from other pollution-related conditions like cardiovascular disease before dementia could develop.

While the results were not statistically conclusive, they highlight the long-term health risks of air pollution, particularly during prenatal and early childhood periods. Studies in France, the US, and China also suggest that reducing air pollution could lower dementia rates.