Taiwan study links air pollution to brain damage in elderly

(MENAFN) New research from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan suggests that prolonged exposure to air pollution may negatively impact brain health in older adults. The study reveals a potential link between air pollution, inflammation, and damage to the brain's blood vessels, as reported by a news agency on Tuesday.

Researchers found that air pollution can stimulate the immune system through the sense of smell, triggering inflammatory responses. This inflammation, in turn, may compromise the blood-brain barrier, leading to damage in the brain's blood vessels and ultimately affecting neurological function.

The study involved 412 adults aged 60 and older, residing in both rural and urban areas. Researchers utilized models to estimate 10-year air pollution exposure levels for the participants. They also conducted cognitive tests and MRI scans to assess changes in brain structure. Notably, MRI scans revealed structural changes in brain regions associated with attention and memory when pollutant concentrations decreased.

Yi-Fang Chuang, an associate professor at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Public Health Institute, emphasized that air pollution should be considered a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment in older adults. She stated that this research contributes to a clearer understanding of the complex relationship between air pollution and brain health in the elderly population.

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