Artificial Nighttime Light Exposure Linked to Alzheimer’s Risk

A recent study from Rush University Medical Center has found a significant association between outdoor nighttime light exposure, or light pollution, and increased prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S., particularly among individuals under 65, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

Utilizing satellite data and Medicare records from 2012 to 2018, researchers discovered that areas with high artificial light at night showed markedly higher rates of Alzheimer’s compared to darker regions.

Lead researcher Robin Voigt noted that younger individuals may be especially vulnerable, as the correlation was stronger in this group. The study indicated that light pollution could contribute to neuroinflammation, circadian rhythm disruptions, and sleep disturbances, all known factors in Alzheimer’s development.

While traditional risk factors like hypertension and diabetes are well-established, light pollution emerged as a more significant contributor than issues such as alcohol abuse and obesity. The findings underscore the need for public health interventions to address light pollution, especially in urban areas, as its prevalence increases with ongoing urbanization.