Even 'Safe' Levels of Air Pollution Tied to Brain Shrinkage
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Areas where there are high levels of fine-particle air pollution may increase Alzheimer's-like brain shrinkage, new research suggests. Results of a large longitudinal study show that women who lived in areas in which there were microscopic particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters <2.5 μg (PM2.5) per cubic meter of air had a significantly increased risk for brain shrinkage on imaging. Researchers studied more than 700 women (mean age, 78 years) who were free of dementia at baseline. Participants underwent MRI at baseline and again 5 years later.
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@malkeet-singh However, air pollution is a modifiable risk factor, and even those living in areas with high air pollution can make concerted efforts to reduce their exposure to these pollutants, for example, monitor air quality daily, stay indoors on days when air pollution is especially high, and keep car vents closed when driving