Most people think of air pollution as a threat to the lungs and heart. However, a growing body of research suggests that what we breathe may also affect the brain. A recent study involving approximately 28 million older Americans found a connection between long-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. While the findings do not prove that pollution directly causes Alzheimer’s, they add to mounting evidence that environmental factors may play a larger role in cognitive health than previously understood. Here’s a breakdown of what the study uncovered.
