Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 11% of cases. Around 50 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, and this number is expected to rise to approximately 150 million by 2050.
Stroke and dementia are often viewed as natural consequences of an aging population. Notably, increasing research from scientists in the UK indicates that air pollution contributes to the onset of dementia and other brain-related conditions.
According to The Guardian, over 413,000 individuals participated in the UK Biobank research project aged between 40 and 69 who did not have dementia, cancer, or stroke at the start of the study. Their health was monitored, focusing on the relationship between air pollution and the transition from a healthy state to stroke, dementia, or both. The study also collected information about their lifestyle, including smoking, exercise, alcohol consumption, diet, and socioeconomic status.
Air pollution may accelerate cognitive decline in the elderly. (Illustrative image).
Throughout the 11-year study, 6,484 individuals experienced a stroke, 3,813 developed dementia, and 376 suffered from both stroke and dementia. After accounting for other risk factors, researchers found a link between long-term exposure to air pollution and dementia, as well as the progression of dementia following a stroke.
Professor Frank Kelly from Imperial College London, a member of the research team, commented that these new findings clarify the impact of air pollution on the progression of stroke and dementia. He warned that if environmental regulations do not meet World Health Organization standards as soon as possible, thousands of individuals could be at risk of developing serious conditions such as stroke and dementia simply due to the inability to breathe clean air.
An expert committee from the UK government also reviewed 69 studies and concluded in 2022 that air pollution is likely accelerating cognitive decline in the elderly and increasing the risk of developing dementia. A more in-depth report emphasized that there is growing research on air pollution and the progression of frailty and cognitive decline in the elderly.
